Standard Lemma guide

tit-for-tat

adj · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • CMU ARPABET: T IH1 T F AO2 R T AE1 T Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

adj

Meaning 1

Having the characteristic of returning bad for bad.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Examples

  • Unfortunately, many adults retain a tit-for-tat attitude, but in a more refined way than the simple, childish shove for shove.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From tit for tat.