Definition

1. Noun:

   • A tenth part: Historically, a tithe refers to one-tenth of something, especially of annual produce or earnings, paid as a tax or contribution, often to a religious institution.
   • A small part or fraction: By extension, it can mean any small part or fraction of something.

2. Verb:

   • To pay or give a tenth: To give or pay one-tenth of one's income or produce, traditionally to a church or religious organization.
   • To levy a tax of one-tenth: To impose or exact a tithe on something, such as produce or income.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • In medieval times, peasants paid a tithe to the local church.
  • He didn't understand a tithe of the complex theory.

• Verb:

  • Many faithful members tithe a portion of their salary to their place of worship.
  • The lord of the manor tithed the grain harvest from his tenants.

Advanced Usage

• "To be tithed": To be subject to the payment of a tithe.
  • In that region, all agricultural land was tithed.

Variants and Related Words

• Tithable (adj): Subject to the payment of tithes.

  • Tithable goods were listed in the parish register.

• Tither (n): A person who pays tithes.

  • The tithers contributed significantly to the church's upkeep.

Synonyms

• Tenth: One part in ten.
• Levy: A tax or fee to be paid.
• Contribution: A gift or payment.

Related Phrases

• To pay tithes: The act of giving the tenth part.

  • The family made a point to pay tithes regularly.

• Tithe barn: A large barn used historically for storing tithes paid in kind (e.g., grain).

  • The old tithe barn has been converted into a community hall.

Idioms

• Not a tithe of: Not even a small part of.
  • He hasn't read a tithe of the books on the list.

Noun

1. an offering of a tenth part of some personal income
2. a levy of one tenth of something

Verb

1. pay a tenth of one's income, especially to the church
   • Although she left the church officially, she still tithes
2. pay one tenth of; pay tithes on, especially to the church
   • He tithed his income to the Church
3. levy a tithe on (produce or a crop)
   • The wool was tithed
4. exact a tithe from
   • The church was tithed