navel

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "navel" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's belly button, or metaphorically as a center of activity, or as part of a body of water located between two landmasses. Example sentence: "The Mediterranean Sea is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the Strait of Gibraltar, a narrow navel between Spain and Morocco."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

At the risk of navel gazing, let us navel gaze for a minute and skate over the many national issues they are addressing.

The Guardian

Some also believe that somewhere under the Qila are the remains of a legendary city that's a civilisational navel of sorts.

The Guardian

Sturgeon promises to do that job in Westminster, where Labour is picking fluff from its navel and the Lib Dems are down to eight, so she gets the point even if some of her new MPs don't.

The Guardian

But amid talk of a global race in which developing nations are surging forward while Europe gazes morosely at its navel, our insecure politicians are proposing isolationist policies that have an impact on national prosperity and indicate hostility to the rest of the planet.

The Guardian - Opinion

Abbott said on Wednesday he would be "as collegiate and as consultative" as possible and urged colleagues to stop "navel gazing", while senior ministers rallied to defend him against increasingly open public criticism of his leadership by backbenchers.

The Guardian

VIAG, another conglomerate, reported record pre-tax profits of DM2.4 billion, up from DM2.1 billion in 1995, although its sales rose just 1.4% to DM42.5 billion.Fade to blackIn any visit to the gym, it is dangerous to contemplate only your own bulging navel.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"In that time, I am doing a hell of a lot of internet shopping, navel-gazing, picking away at my partner, sharing several cups of tea with whoever turns up…" But the day has to be more organised than it once was – children make one "conservative" and she and her partner, Jacob Krichefski, an actor, have two (Jesse, aged nine, and seven-year-old Mabel).

The Guardian

To most outside the bubble, this excessive navel-gazing is wearying, even alienating: it fosters the sense of a media class which is only interested in what people like them have said about other people like them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Riches said that if he is elected chair on Friday he will deliver the reforms recommended by Normington's review Sir Peter Fahy, chief constable of Greater Manchester police and vice-president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, said the debate over policing should be focused on the local rather than the national level and warned about the dangers of "navel-gazing".

The Guardian

But for a five-piece unit they make a decent fist of giving Fred Macpherson's wordy navel-gazing ("My self-esteem is at an all-time low") an impressively oomphy backdrop.

The Guardian - Music

Of course it isn't; it's a coalition, stupid!" Sometimes the saws and proverbs crashed into each other: "If we Tories navel-gaze and only pander to our comfort zone, we will never get elected".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "navel" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes the central or focal point you are describing. For example, 'This city is the navel of the region' implies it's the most important place.

Common error

Avoid using "navel" too frequently in metaphorical contexts, as it can sound repetitive or pretentious. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "core", "center", or "hub" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The word "navel" functions primarily as a noun, denoting either the anatomical indentation on the abdomen or, metaphorically, the central point of something. Ludwig examples demonstrate both literal and figurative applications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "navel" is a common noun with both literal and figurative applications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly and appropriately refers to the anatomical indentation or, more abstractly, the central point of something. Usage ranges from neutral, factual descriptions in news and encyclopedias to more expressive applications in literature and opinion pieces. The phrase "navel-gazing", a common derivative, carries a negative connotation, denoting self-absorbed introspection. While grammatically straightforward, effective use of "navel" requires sensitivity to context to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

belly button

Refers specifically to the anatomical feature.

umbilicus

A more formal, medical term for the same anatomical feature.

central point

Emphasizes the 'middle' aspect of the definition.

core

Highlights the essential or innermost part of something.

heart

Focuses on the vital center or essence of something.

middle

A general term for the central location.

hub

Implies a center of activity or connectivity.

center

A more generic term for the central location or focus.

focus

Highlights the point of concentration or attention.

eye

Specifically used in technical contexts like securing a carronade.

FAQs

How can I use "navel" in a sentence?

You can use "navel" to refer to the indentation on the abdomen where the umbilical cord was attached, or metaphorically to describe the central point of something. For example, 'The meeting took place in what many considered the "central hub" of the city'.

What is a more formal term for "navel"?

The more formal, medical term for "navel" is "umbilicus".

When is it appropriate to use "navel" metaphorically?

It is appropriate to use "navel" metaphorically when describing the central or most important point of something, such as 'This research institute is the "center of innovation" in the field'.

What does "navel-gazing" mean?

"Navel-gazing" refers to self-indulgent introspection or focusing excessively on oneself. It often has a negative connotation, implying that someone is ignoring external realities or broader concerns. See some examples in "self-absorbed" pieces.