calve
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /kæv/
KK: /kæv/
intransitive verb
Definition
To give birth to a young cow or calf.
Example
The cow will calve in the spring.
Tense Forms
Past: calved
Past Participle: calved
Conversation
Did you hear that the farm nearby had a cow calve recently?
No way! That must have been exciting to see.
Yeah, they said it was a beautiful little calf.
I love when that happens; it’s such a miracle of nature.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
birth
deliver
produce
Antonyms
abort
miscarry
fail
transitive verb
Definition
To give birth to a young cow or bull.
Example
The farmer's cow will calve in the spring.
Tense Forms
Past: calved
Past Participle: calved
Conversation
Did you know that cows usually calve in the spring?
Really? I had no idea there was a specific time for that.
Yeah, it's interesting how nature works, right?
Root Explanation
The word 'calve' originates from Old English 'cealf', meaning a young cow or calf. It refers specifically to the act of giving birth to a calf.
Memory Tip
Think of a young cow ('calf') being born — that's what 'calve' means, to give birth to a calf.
Visually Confused Words
calves
cave
caliver
valve
scale
salve
halve
crave