Gift Meaning
Gift Definition & Usage
A gift is a thing given willingly to someone without payment. It is typically an expression of affection, generosity, or celebration.
Examples
- "I received a beautiful gift for my birthday."
- "She gave me a thoughtful gift to celebrate our friendship."
- "They exchanged gifts during the holiday season."
- "He surprised her with a gift of flowers on their anniversary."
- "A hand-made card is a meaningful gift that shows you care."
A natural ability or talent in a particular area.
Examples
- "She has a gift for playing the piano."
- "His gift for storytelling made him a popular figure at gatherings."
- "They recognized his gift for mathematics early on."
- "The artist was born with a gift for painting."
- "Her gift for languages allowed her to easily learn new dialects."
To give something as a present or offer something to someone.
Examples
- "She gifted him a rare book for his collection."
- "He decided to gift her a handmade necklace for their anniversary."
- "They gifted the children with toys during the charity event."
- "The company gifted their employees with vouchers as a reward."
- "I would like to gift you a small token of my appreciation."
Cultural Context
The tradition of giving gifts has existed for thousands of years, originating from both practical and symbolic needs. Historically, gifts were often exchanged as offerings to gods or as gestures of goodwill in diplomatic relations. In modern times, gift-giving has become a key aspect of various celebrations such as birthdays, holidays, and weddings. It plays a significant role in expressing emotions like love, gratitude, and respect.
The Unexpected Gift
Story
The Unexpected Gift
It was Christmas Eve, and Sarah was sitting by the fireplace, watching the snow fall gently outside her window. The holiday season had been quiet for her this year, as she had recently moved to a new city, far away from her family. As she wrapped the last of the presents she had bought for her friends, she couldn't help but feel a bit lonely. A soft knock on the door broke her thoughts. She opened it to find her neighbor, Mr. Thompson, standing with a large, beautifully wrapped box in his hands. 'For you,' he said with a smile. 'A little something for the holiday.' Sarah was taken aback. She hadn't expected anything, but she gratefully accepted the gift. 'Thank you, Mr. Thompson. You didn't have to.' He waved it off. 'A gift is never about the price, Sarah. It's about the thought behind it.' Later that night, Sarah opened the box to find a framed photograph of her parents' wedding day—something she had been missing dearly. The gift was a reminder of home, a thoughtful gesture that meant more to her than anything she could have received in a store. In the days that followed, Sarah thought about the word 'gift' in a new way. It wasn't just the objects we exchange, but the emotions and memories we share through them. She had always been known for her gift for painting, and now, she thought about how her art could be a gift to others—a way to express her gratitude and love. On New Year's Eve, Sarah decided to gift one of her paintings to Mr. Thompson as a token of her appreciation. As she handed it to him, she realized that sometimes the most meaningful gifts aren't the ones we expect, but the ones that come from the heart. That year, she learned that gifts weren't just objects—they were connections, memories, and moments that could never be wrapped up in a box.
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