Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a manner of speaking as specified: Used to describe how someone speaks, often in combination with another word to form a compound adjective.
   • Provided with or resembling a tongue: Used to describe something that has a tongue-like part or projection.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (manner of speaking):

  • The silver-tongued politician easily persuaded the crowd.
  • She was sharp-tongued and quick with a witty retort.

• Adjective (having a tongue or tongue-like part):

  • The tongued joint in the woodwork made for a stronger connection.
  • The tongued board fits into the grooved one.

Advanced Usage

• "Tongued" as a combining form: The word is almost exclusively used in combination with another word, typically a preceding adjective or noun, to create a descriptive compound.
  • He was foul-tongued and rude. (Describes someone who uses offensive language.)
  • The mechanic used a tongued tool to reach the narrow gap. (Describes a tool with a tongue-like extension.)

Variants and Related Words

• -tongued (suffix): A suffix used to form compound adjectives describing speech.
  • Sharp-tongued: Speaking in a severe, critical, or sarcastic way.
  • Silver-tongued: Eloquent and persuasive in speaking.
  • Forked-tongued: Deceitful or dishonest in speech.
• Tongue (noun): The muscular organ in the mouth; the power of speech; a language; a projecting strip.
• Tongue (verb): To articulate notes on a wind instrument; to provide with a tongue (as in woodworking).

Synonyms

• For "manner of speaking" sense: Eloquent (for golden/silver-tongued), caustic (for sharp-tongued).
• For "having a tongue" sense: Projecting, flanged.

Related Phrases

• To hold one's tongue: To remain silent.
• On the tip of one's tongue: Almost but not quite remembered.

Notes on Usage

• "Tongued" is rarely used alone. It functions primarily as the second element in a compound adjective (e.g., smooth-tongued) or as a technical term in carpentry/construction (e.g., a tongued edge).
• When describing speech, the compound form (e.g., sharp-tongued) is the standard usage, not "a tongued person."

Adjective

1. having a manner of speaking as specified; often used in combination
   • golden-tongued
   • sharp-tongued
2. provided with or resembling a tongue; often used in combination
   • tongued shoes
   • tongued boards
   • toungued lightning
   • long-tongued