Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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spit, spits, spitting, spat

Synonyms: expectorate, eject, spew, discharge, dribble

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Antonyms: swallow, ingest, consume, gulp, retain

The Verb Spit – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb spit is an irregular verb meaning to forcibly eject saliva or other substances from the mouth.


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: spit
■ Past Simple: spat (or spit)
■ Past Participle: spat (or spit)
■ Present Participle/Gerund: spitting


USAGE AND CONTEXT


'Spit' is a direct, physical verb that can also be used figuratively for angry speech.


1. Ejecting from the Mouth
This is its primary, literal meaning.


■ Action: 'The child took the bitter medicine and immediately spat it out.'
■ Law/Rule: 'Do not spit on the sidewalk.'


2. Speaking Angrily (Figurative)
This describes speaking in a sharp, hostile tone.


■ Speech: 'He spat the insults at his opponent.'


3. Light Rain (British English)
In the UK, 'spitting' is a common, informal way to describe very light rain.


■ Weather: 'You don't need a big coat, it's only spitting outside.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: PAST TENSE FORMS


■ 'Spat' vs. 'Spit': Both forms are correct for the simple past and past participle. Spat is often preferred in formal writing to avoid ambiguity, while spit is very common in informal speech.


■ Idiom - 'Spitting Image': This phrase means a perfect resemblance or likeness. Example: 'He is the spitting image of his father.'