Spelling of Beat: Beat is spelled b-e-a-t.
Definition of Beat: The most common definition of beat means to strike or inflict pain by physical abuse on someone or something. In cooking, beat means to mix by stirring vigorously. In music, beat is to strike repeatedly to produce music or a rhythm.
Also, beat refers to the act of overcoming or defeating an opponent. Beat may also refer to acting ahead of someone. Beat also means pulsate or throb, as a heart does.
As a noun, beat refers to the actual rhythm produced by beating something, such as a drum. It may also refer to a specific moment in time.
Finally, beat can describe someone or something as being tired or exhausted.
Pronunciation of Beat: Beat is pronounced beet. Beat rhymes with seat and neat. Beat and beet are homophones, which means they have the same pronunciation but different meanings and spellings.
How to Use Beat in a Sentence
What does beat mean? Beat can function as a noun, verb, and an adjective. Most commonly, beat is used as a verb meaning to physically abuse, hit, strike or pound someone or something.
For example,
- She called the police to report that her boyfriend had just beat her for refusing his demands.
- The corrections officer beat the inmate for no apparent reason, but he was not punished for his actions.
However, it has many meanings as a verb, including to win or overcome, or, defeat an enemy or opponent in a battle or a sport.
For example,
- He beat me in the race.
- If we want to beat the other team, we are going to have to focus and work together.
Additionally, as a verb, beat can refer to the pounding or striking of an instrument to make a rhythm.
For example,
- He beat the drum, creating the baseline for the rest of the band.
- The bored student started to beat his desk with his hands and, within seconds, the rest of the class joined him.
Beat also refers to the action of mixing by stirring something swiftly, as in baking or cooking.
For example,
- She retrieved the whisk and continued to beat the eggs until they were well-mixed.
- The recipe instructions said to beat the ingredients until there were no lumps.
As an adjective, beat is used to describe someone or something that is worn out or exhausted.
For example,
- After such a long day, I am absolutely beat.
- She was obviously beat, for she fell asleep as soon as her head hit her pillow.
As a noun, beat refers to the sound made by repeatedly striking something in a specific pattern.
For example,
- She told me to relax and just dance to the beat of the music.
- The sounds of the soldiers marching created an echoing beat in the streets.
Phrases & Idioms That Use Beat
Beat off: to drive away from, also vulgar slang for masturbation.
Beat around the bush: to explain something or confront someone indirectly so as to avoid offending, hurting, or angering someone.
Beat it: to leave quickly; an expression used to rudely tell someone to leave immediately.
Beat up on: to physically attack someone or something, usually on a regular basis; to verbally attack or criticize.
History & Etymology of Beat
Beat was first used prior to the 12th century, according to Merriam-Webster’s.
Beat comes from Middle English, beten, from Old English beaten, which is related to Old High German bozan, meaning to beat.
Synonyms for Beat
There are many synonyms from which to choose, however, it’s important to select the appropriate word for the specific context and meaning.
In terms of beat as a verb meaning to strike or hit repeatedly, the following words can be substituted:
- Hammer
- Pound
- Pummel
- Bludgeon
- Flog
- Bash
When using beat to describe the act of winning or being victorious over, the following synonyms can be used:
- Best
- Conquer
- Defeat
- Overcome
- Prevail
- Triumph
- Win
The adjective form of beat also has several synonyms which can be substituted:
- Drained
- Exhausted
- Done
- Fatigued
- Pooped
- Tired
- Spent
- Wiped
- Tuckered
When used as a noun, the following words can replace beat, however, it’s important to select the one that is most fitting of the context:
- Pulsation
- Beating
- Palpitation
- Pulse
- Throb
- Rhythm
- Cadence
- Measure
Outside Examples of Beat
- J.T. Miller scored 1:19 into overtime and the Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 on Thursday night. – USA Today
- A man walking on a path near the Shedd Aquarium was attacked by a group of people who beat him, robbed him and threw him into Lake Michigan early Wednesday, authorities said. – Chicago Tribune
Summary
Beat can function as a noun, verb, and an adjective.
- As a verb, it generally involves striking someone or something repeatedly, or, winning against an opponent.
- As a noun, it refers to a pattern of sounds that form a rhythm.
- As an adjective, it describes someone or something that is very tired.
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