This is the 5776th most frequent Japanese word.
なめ
"なめ" can mean "licking" or "glossy/smooth" depending on context.
The word 'なめて' here means 'to lick', and it is used in a context suggesting tasting something like candy.
このキャンディーをなめてみてください。
Please try licking this candy.
The word 'なめている' here means 'to take lightly', and it is used in a context implying a disrespectful or unserious attitude towards someone's duties or responsibilities.
彼は仕事をなめていると感じる。
I feel he takes his work lightly.
The word 'なめている' here means 'to lick', and it is used in a literal context describing the action performed by the cat.