WordGarden.iojibe
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dʒˈaɪb/
US
- /ˈdʒaɪb/
Meanings
Verb
to agree or fit with something
to make mocking or taunting remarks
to turn a sailboat so the sail swings across the wind
Noun
a mocking or taunting remark
a sailing maneuver that swings the sail across the wind
Beyond the definition
In everyday conversation, if your story doesn't jibe with the facts, something feels off. To jibe means to agree, match, or fit well with something else. However, the word also has a sailing side. In sailing, a jibe (sometimes spelled gybe) is a move where a boat turns its stern through the wind, causing the sail to swing across to a new side. Finally, a jibe can also be a teasing or sarcastic remark, like a quick comment about a friend's terrible singing voice. Whether it is about ideas matching, a boat changing course, or a sharp little comment, the word carries a sense of movement or fit.
The word "jibe" has a few distinct meanings in English. Most often, to jibe means to agree with something, match it, or fit it well. If you say, "Her explanation doesn't jibe with what I saw," you mean the two things do not line up. In modern everyday English, this sense of "matching" or "being consistent with" is the one people see most often.
In a nautical context, to jibe is a specific maneuver where a sailing boat turns so that the wind passes from one side of the stern to the other. This makes the boom swing across the boat, sometimes quite forcefully, so it has to be done with care. In this sense, the spelling gybe is also common, especially in sailing contexts.
There is also a third meaning: a jibe can be a quick mocking or sarcastic remark. "He made a jibe about my messy desk" means he took a shot at it with a short, sharp comment. This meaning is traditionally spelled gibe, but jibe is also widely used, especially in American English. The three senses are usually understood from context: one is about agreement, one is about sailing, and one is about mockery.
Examples
- 1
Evidence conflict
His story doesn't jibe with the video from the security camera.
- 2
Report comparison
The two reports mostly jibe, but one gives a different total.
- 3
Appearance vs emotion
Her relaxed smile didn't jibe with how nervous she sounded.
- 4
Political humor
The comedian's jibes at the mayor got a big laugh.
- Patterna jibe at + person
an unkind joke or remark about them
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Calm response
She ignored the jibe and kept answering the question calmly.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- align
- square with
- check out
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- jibe with the facts
- doesn't jibe
- jibe with the evidence
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- jibenounverb
Forms
- jibespluralnounverb
- jibedpast tenseverbnoun
- jibing-ing formverbnoun