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Glite Dictionary
to chime in

to chime in

40 4.3
To make a short comment during a conversation
  • phrasal verb
  • /tʃaɪm ɪn/
  • Informal
: meter baza (informal, España)
  • And if you want to chime in with an idea, please go ahead.
  • other members chime in
  • chime in with 'well'

I've been waiting for you to chime in and ask.

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Examples

  • One starts it, and then the rest just chime in.

    The Tomorrow War (2021)

  • Alex, I'd love for you to chime in.

    Timecode (2000)

  • People seem to really enjoy chiming in on those and and watching them.

  • I provide people with my advice about that and then people chime in with their questions and comments.

  • Just feel free to, chime in at any point.

    The Art of War (2000)

  • So feel free to chime in.

    Red Eye (2017)

  • And Ted, let me chime in and first of all, agree with much of what George said.

  • This is where the people who read the news... get to chime in with their two cents.

    Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

  • It's where people who read the news get to chime in with their two cents.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • If you have any thoughts, please chime in during the discussion.

Synonyms

to add
vsto chime in
∞ 1.0

Say something more to give extra information or comment

focuses on entering an ongoing conversation to give a remark
to comment
vsto chime in
589 1.7

To give an opinion about something

involves entering a talk to add a remark rather than only stating an opinion
to weigh in
vsto chime in
103 4.0

To give your opinion in a discussion when asked

joins with a brief comment rather than giving weighty input
to toss in
vsto chime in
  • Informal
7 4.4

To add a short comment during a conversation

joins an ongoing talk with a clear intention rather than as a casual aside
to join the discussion
vsto chime in
5 2.8

Take part in a conversation already happening

adds a specific remark when entering ongoing talk rather than simply taking part

Antonyms

to withdraw
466 2.8

To stop taking part in a place or activity

to be quiet
231 1.0

To stop making noise or talking

How Much

to monopolize
  • US
22 6.7
to weigh in
103 4.0
to chime in
  • Informal
40 4.3
to comment
589 1.7

Surface Forms

chime in infinitive
chimed in past
chimed in past participle
chiming in present participle
chimes in third person singular

Morphology

chime + in

The verb 'chime' (to produce ringing notes) plus the particle 'in' (indicating entry/joining) creates a clear metaphor of 'adding one's voice' to a group, so elements give a helpful clue. However, the transfer from literal sound to contributing an opinion is metaphorical and not fully predictable for a B1 learner without prior exposure, making the expression only partially transparent.

Etymology

Chime in comes from the image of bells: when a bell chimes in, it adds its sound to the other bells. That's why chime in means 'to join a conversation by adding a comment or opinion'.