July 25, 2011 - Word of the Day: tip

There are three different meanings for the noun, "tip." You should know all three:

1. tip: advice; good information.

• Tom's coach gave him a few tips on how he could improve in playing basketball.
• She can use a few tips in how to be a good waitress.
• I have a tip for you: In order to improve your English, practice reading in English for at least half an hour every day.

2. tip: extra money for good service.

• The waitress received a big tip because she provided excellent service to her customers.
• John made over $200 in tips yesterday for parking cars. He's a valet.
• Some housekeepers make a little extra money in tips if their supervisors don't get to it first.

3. tip: the end of something; the point of an object.

• He can touch the tip of his nose with his tongue.
• Glenda says the tips of her fingers hurt from all the work she did yesterday.
• Apples grow on the tip of a small branch on an apple tree.

Continue working on your vocabulary here.