verb
twig
To notice or come to understand something.
She twigs that something is wrong when everyone falls silent.
Etymology
Probably associated with Irish tuig, “understand,” though the derivation is disputed. It is not explained by a tree's twig.
More examples
- I finally twigged why the numbers didn't match.
- He hasn't twigged that we're planning a surprise.
- Did you twig the mistake in the last line?
Forms
twig · twigs · twigged · twigging
Similar words
- notice
- Emphasizes becoming aware of something, not necessarily understanding it.
- realize
- Emphasizes newly recognizing a fact or its significance.
- understand
- Emphasizes grasping meaning rather than the moment of recognition.