Noun and verb; also a slang adjective Musical or informal; not a general word for harmony
JiveMeaning, examples and usage
Jive can name swing music or dancing, or informal talk that is foolish or deceptive. As a verb, it can mean dancing or speaking unseriously.
Say it: JYVE · rhymes with five
How to use jive
Choose the meaning from the whole sentence. A dance class can teach jive; dismissing someone’s explanation as jive suggests that it is not sincere or credible. For agreement between two accounts, jibe with is the established choice in edited writing. “The dates agree” is an even simpler option.
Example sentences
Illustrative examples written for this guide.
Dancing
“The evening class introduced us to the basic steps of jive.”
The noun names a style of dancing.
Distrustful talk
“She dismissed the sales pitch as jive and asked for the actual figures.”
Here the word expresses doubt rather than praise.
Agreement uses jibe
“The delivery date does not jibe with the date on the invoice.”
This example deliberately uses jibe, with a b, because the dates do not agree.
Similar words, different emphasis
- Jibe
- In the agreement sense, usually followed by with: one statement jibes with another.
- Agree
- The plain-language alternative when facts, statements or people are in accord.
- Harmonious
- A clearer adjective for a pleasing or cooperative relationship than jive.
Should I write “doesn’t jive” or “doesn’t jibe”?
For “does not agree,” choose “doesn’t jibe” in edited writing. You will hear jive used this way, but Merriam-Webster notes that the usage is often considered an error. If the distinction distracts from your message, write “doesn’t match” or “doesn’t agree with” instead.
References and editorial note
The linked dictionary entries support the word meanings. The example sentences and writing suggestions are Ikigain’s own. This is a language guide, not a personality assessment.