masticate
Elementary (A2)
IPA: //ˈmæstɪkeɪt//
KK: /ˈmæstɪˌkeɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To chew food thoroughly before swallowing it.
Example
It is important to masticate your food well to aid digestion.
Tense Forms
Past: masticated
Past Participle: masticated
Conversation
I always forget how long it takes to masticate my food properly.
Yeah, it's important to chew well for digestion.
I know, right? Sometimes I rush and end up feeling uncomfortable.
Me too! Taking my time really helps.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
chew
grind
chomp
Antonyms
swallow
gulp
inhale
transitive verb
Definition
To chew food thoroughly before swallowing it.
Example
It is important to masticate your food well to aid digestion.
Tense Forms
Past: masticated
Past Participle: masticated
Conversation
Did you know that it’s important to masticate your food well?
Really? I just thought it was about enjoying the taste.
Well, chewing properly helps with digestion too.
Root Explanation
Masticate → It is formed from "masticare" (meaning to chew) which comes from the Greek "mastikhan" (meaning to chew or grind). The word "masticate" means to chew food thoroughly before swallowing.
Memory Tip
Think of the Greek word for chewing, 'mastikhan', to remember that 'masticate' means to chew.
Visually Confused Words
remasticate
unmasticated
musicate
manicate
micate
matriculate
domesticate
dimastigate