shave

[ʃeɪv]

shave Definition

  • 1to remove hair from the body, especially a man's face, using a razor or shaver
  • 2to cut a thin layer from the surface of something
  • 3to reduce something by a small amount

Using shave: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shave" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He shaves every morning before work.

  • Example

    She shaved her legs with a razor.

  • Example

    The carpenter shaved off a thin layer of wood to make it fit.

  • Example

    We need to shave some costs from the budget.

shave Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for shave

Antonyms for shave

Phrases with shave

  • clean-shaven

    having no hair on the face

    Example

    He always keeps himself clean-shaven for job interviews.

  • a narrow escape from danger or failure

    Example

    That was a close shave! I almost missed my flight.

  • shave and a haircut

    a short tune played on a piano or other instrument, often used as a jingle in advertisements

    Example

    The barber shop's jingle is the classic 'shave and a haircut' tune.

Origins of shave

from Old English 'sceafan', meaning 'to scrape away'

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Summary: shave in Brief

To 'shave' [ʃeɪv] means to remove hair from the body, cut a thin layer from the surface of something, or reduce something by a small amount. Examples include shaving one's face or legs, or shaving costs from a budget. Phrases like 'clean-shaven' denote having no facial hair, while 'a close shave' refers to a narrow escape from danger or failure.

How do native speakers use this expression?