tailgate
Elementary (A2)
IPA: //ˈteɪlɡeɪt//
KK: /ˈteɪlˌɡeɪt/
adjective
Definition
Connected to a picnic that takes place on the back of a vehicle, usually a station wagon.
Example
We had a great time at the tailgate party before the game.
Conversation
Are you excited for the concert this weekend?
Definitely! I heard there’s going to be a fun tailgate party before it starts.
That sounds awesome! I love a good tailgate vibe with friends.
Me too! We should bring some snacks and drinks.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
picnic
outdoor
casual
Antonyms
formal
indoor
structured
intransitive verb
Definition
To drive closely behind another vehicle, often in a way that is unsafe.
Example
It's dangerous to tailgate the car in front of you, especially on the highway.
Tense Forms
Past: tailgated
Past Participle: tailgated
Conversation
Are you excited for the game this weekend?
Definitely! I heard a lot of people will tailgate before it starts.
We should grab some snacks and join them at the tailgate party.
noun
Definition
A door or board at the back of a vehicle that can be opened to allow access for loading or unloading.
Example
He lowered the tailgate of his truck to load the furniture.
Conversation
Did you see how they opened the tailgate at the game yesterday?
Yeah, it was packed with food and drinks for everyone!
I love how we can all gather around the tailgate before the game starts.
transitive verb
Definition
To drive closely behind another vehicle, making it difficult to stop or change lanes safely, or to follow someone closely to gain access to a restricted area.
Example
He decided to tailgate the car in front of him during the traffic jam.
Tense Forms
Past: tailgated
Past Participle: tailgated
Conversation
Did you see that car tailgate us on the highway?
Yeah, it was so close!
I thought they were going to hit us!
Root Explanation
Tailgate → The word originates from the combination of 'tail' (from Old English 'tægel', meaning the rear part of something) and 'gate' (from Old Norse 'gata', meaning a way or path). The term 'tailgate' refers to the rear gate of a vehicle, often used in the context of social gatherings or events where people gather at the back of a vehicle to eat or socialize.
Memory Tip
Imagine the 'rear part' ('tail') of a vehicle being a 'way' ('gate') for people to gather and enjoy a social event. This helps you remember that 'tailgate' refers to the area at the back of a vehicle where people often meet.
Visually Confused Words
algate
tilaite
avigate