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nitty-gritty
[ nit-ee-grit-ee ]
/ ˈnɪt iˈgrɪt i /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
the essential substance or details of a matter; basics; crux: Let's skip the chitchat and get down to the nitty-gritty.
adjective
fundamental, detailed, or probing: nitty-gritty questions.
direct and practical: nitty-gritty advice; a nitty-gritty system.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of nitty-gritty
An Americanism dating back to 1960–65; rhyming compound of uncertain origin
Words nearby nitty-gritty
nitrous oxide, nitroxanthic acid, nits-and-lice, Nitti, nitty, nitty-gritty, nitwit, Niue, Niuean, Niu Tireni, nival
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use nitty-gritty in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for nitty-gritty
nitty-gritty
/ (ˈnɪtɪˈɡrɪtɪ) /
noun
the nitty-gritty informal the basic facts of a matter, situation, etc; the core
Word Origin for nitty-gritty
C20: perhaps rhyming compound formed from grit
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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