Learn about the difference between the homophones: gib and jib

Definitions

gib

Gib is a noun that refers to a wedge-shaped piece of metal or wood used to support or secure a structure.

Example

The carpenter used a gib to reinforce the frame.

Example

The machine's gib was worn out and needed replacement.

jib

Jib is a noun that refers to a triangular sail at the front of a sailboat that helps control the direction of the boat. It can also be used as a verb meaning to refuse to do something or to be unwilling to cooperate.

Example

The wind caught the jib and the boat picked up speed.

Example

He always jibs at the idea of going to the dentist.

Tips To Remember the Differences

Here are a few tips to easily distinguish the difference between these words while keeping in mind the description we've provided:

- To remember the difference between gib and jib, you could associate gib with 'support' or 'wedge', since it is used to reinforce a structure. - For jib, you could associate it with 'sail' or 'refuse', since it refers to a sail on a boat and can also mean to refuse to do something.