Definition

The central or most important part of something, often referring to the essence or core of an idea or object.

Example

The pith of the argument was clear and compelling, highlighting the main issue at hand.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about the pith of a story and what makes it truly engaging?

Definitely! It’s all about the essence and the emotions it conveys.

Exactly, without that pith, it can feel flat and uninteresting.

Right! The heart of the tale is what keeps us hooked.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To remove the central part of a plant stem or to kill an animal by cutting its spinal cord.

Example

The farmer decided to pith the cattle before processing them for meat.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever seen someone pith a plant before?

No, I haven't! How do they do that?

It's actually pretty interesting; they remove the center part of the stem.

Root Explanation

The word 'pith' originates from Old English 'piþa', meaning the soft or spongy tissue in plants. It refers specifically to the central part of a plant stem or root, which is often soft and moist.

Memory Tip

Think of the soft, spongy tissue in plants when you hear 'pith' — it helps you remember that 'pith' refers to the central, soft part of a plant.

Visually Confused Words