butt
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /bʌt/
KK: /bʌt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To hit or push something using the head or horns, or to stick out in a forward position.
Example
The ram will butt its head against the tree to mark its territory.
Tense Forms
Past: butted
Past Participle: butted
Conversation
Did you see that goat butt the fence earlier?
Yeah, it was hilarious!
I can't believe how hard it butt it with its head.
I know, right? Goats are so funny to watch.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bump
jab
thrust
Antonyms
recede
withdraw
retreat
noun
Definition
A rounded part of the body at the back, commonly referred to as the rear end or backside.
Example
He fell and landed right on his butt.
Conversation
Did you see that guy at the gym who kept dropping weights on his butt?
Yeah, I did! That looked painful.
I wonder if he hurt his butt or just embarrassed himself.
transitive verb
Definition
To hit or push against something using the head or horns, often with force.
Example
The ram will butt its head against the fence to show dominance.
Tense Forms
Past: butted
Past Participle: butted
Conversation
Did you see how the goat tried to butt the fence?
Yeah, it was hilarious! I didn't think it would actually try that.
I wonder if it can butt its way through to the other side.
Root Explanation
The word 'butt' originates from Old French 'butte', meaning a mound or hillock, which in turn comes from the Latin 'buttis', meaning a cask or barrel. The term evolved to refer to the rounded part of the body, likely due to its shape resembling that of a cask.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'mound' or 'hillock' ('butte') to remember that 'butt' refers to the rounded part of the body.
Visually Confused Words
but