jibe

/dʒaɪb/

/dʒaɪb/

Other forms: jibes; jibed; jibing

To jibe with someone is to agree with them. Jibe can also mean “be compatible with or similar to.” If two people jibe, they get along quite well.

A jibe can also be an insulting remark as another way to spell gibe. If someone directs that kind of jibe at you, the best response is a really good comeback. And in nautical terminology, jibe refers to a particular manner of changing the course of a ship. How did this word come to have such different meanings? Your guess is as good as ours. Just try to remember that if you want to jibe with others, don’t insult them.

Definitions of jibe

1. verb

   shift from one side of the ship to the other
   synonyms: change course, gybe, jib

   type of:

   sail

   travel on water propelled by wind
2. noun

   an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
   synonyms: barb, dig, gibe, shaft, shot, slam

   types:

   cheap shot

   an unnecessarily aggressive and unfair remark directed at a defenseless person

   type of:

   comment, input, remark

   a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
3. verb

   be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
   synonyms: agree, check, correspond, fit, gibe, match, tally

   check, check out

   be verified or confirmed; pass inspection

   accord, agree, comport, concord, consort, fit in, harmonise, harmonize

   be harmonious or consistent with

   types:

   consist

   be consistent in form, tenor, or character; be congruous

   look

   accord in appearance with

   answer

   match or correspond

   coincide

   be the same

   align

   be or come into adjustment with

   correlate

   bear a reciprocal or mutual relation

   parallel

   be parallel to

   duplicate, parallel, twin

   duplicate or match

   square

   be compatible with

   bear out, corroborate, support, underpin

   support with evidence or authority or make more certain or confirm

   resemble

   appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to

   conform to, fit, meet

   satisfy a condition or restriction

   homologize

   be homologous

   befit, beseem, suit

   accord or comport with

   accord, agree, comport, concord, consort, fit in, harmonise, harmonize

   be harmonious or consistent with

   pattern

   form a pattern

   adhere, hew

   be compatible or in accordance with

   rhyme, rime

   be similar in sound, especially with respect to the last syllable

   coordinate

   be co-ordinated

   look like

   bear a physical resemblance to

   come to life

   be lifelike, as of a painting

   take after

   be similar to a relative

   approximate, come close

   be close or similar

   fill the bill, fit the bill

   be what is needed or be good enough for what is required

   behoove, behove

   be appropriate or necessary

   fulfil, fulfill, live up to, satisfy

   meet the requirements or expectations of

   imitate

   appear like, as in behavior or appearance

   echo, recall

   call to mind

   blend, blend in, go

   blend or harmonize

   accommodate, fit, suit

   be agreeable or acceptable to

   assonate

   correspond in vowel sounds; rhyme in assonance

   type of:

   be, equal

   be identical or equivalent to