animal
animal
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "animal" is /ˈænɪməl/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
an- (/ˈæn/)
/æ/ as in "cat"
/n/ as in "no"
i- (/ɪ/ - unstressed, often reduced)
/ɪ/ as in "sit"
mal (/məl/)
/m/ as in "me"
/əl/ (a syllabic "l" sound, often preceded by a schwa-like sound)
Word Form Variations
Singular: animal
Plural: animals
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A living organism that feeds on organic matter, typically having specialized sense organs and a nervous system, and able to respond rapidly to stimuli.
Synonyms: creature, beast, brute, being
Antonyms: plant, inanimate object, mineral
(Informal, derogatory) A person who behaves in a wild, uncivilized, or crude manner.
Synonyms: brute, savage, monster, barbarian
Antonyms: gentleman, lady, civilized person, refined person
(Colloquial) Used to refer to a specific type of animal, often implying a particular characteristic or behavior.
Synonyms: (depends on context, e.g., for a skilled person: master, ace; for a strong person: powerhouse)
Antonyms: (depends on context)
Examples of Use
Books:
"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." (George Orwell, Animal Farm) - This classic novel uses "animal" to refer to the non-human inhabitants of a farm, exploring themes of power and corruption.
"The calls of wild animals echoed through the dense jungle, a symphony of untamed life." (From a fictional adventure novel, common in nature-focused literature) - Here, "animal" denotes wild creatures.
Newspapers:
"Local authorities are investigating reports of a stray animal causing a disturbance in the neighborhood." (Headline in The Daily Herald, a hypothetical local newspaper) - "Animal" is used generally for a domestic or wild creature.
"Conservation efforts are crucial to protect endangered animal species from extinction." (The New York Times, an article on wildlife conservation) - Refers to species of living organisms.
Online Publications:
"Is your pet exhibiting strange behavior? Learn why your furry animal might be acting out." (PetMD.com, an article on pet health) - "Animal" refers to a domesticated pet.
"The recent documentary explored the complex social structures of various deep-sea animals, revealing their hidden worlds." (National Geographic Online, a feature on marine life) - Refers to aquatic organisms.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "He's an animal on the basketball court!" (Dialogue from a sports movie, e.g., Space Jam or Hoosiers) - Here, "animal" is used informally to describe someone with exceptional, aggressive skill or power.
Television Series: "This new animal shelter provides a safe haven for hundreds of abandoned creatures." (Narration from a documentary series like Pit Bulls & Parolees) - Refers to non-human living beings.
Video Games: "Beware of the wild animals that roam these forests; they are dangerous." (In-game warning or dialogue from a survival or RPG game, e.g., Red Dead Redemption 2) - Designates hostile non-human creatures.
Music (Song Lyrics): "You're an animal, I'm a beast, let's unleash the wildest dreams." (Lyrics from a contemporary pop or rock song, common for expressing passion or intensity) - Used metaphorically to describe a person's primal nature or strong emotions.
General Public Discourse:
"My dog is such a smart animal; he understands everything I say." (Spoken conversation between friends) - Refers to a pet.
"The way that person behaved was absolutely uncivilized – a real animal." (Informal spoken critique of someone's rude behavior) - Used as a derogatory term for a person.
"Did you see that documentary about the rainforest? The diversity of animal life there is incredible." (Casual conversation about a nature program) - Refers to a broad category of living organisms.
"Don't worry, the vet is very good with animals; your cat will be fine." (Reassuring someone about a pet's medical care) - Refers to pets or creatures in general.
10 Famous Quotes Using Animal
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." — Mahatma Gandhi
"Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to." — Mark Twain
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened." — Anatole France
"We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err. For the animal shall not be measured by man." — Henry Beston
"I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being." — Abraham Lincoln (attributed)
"Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms." — George Eliot
"Man is by nature a political animal." — Aristotle
"An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language." — Martin Buber
"The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them. That’s the essence of inhumanity." — George Bernard Shaw (referring to animals and people)
"The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog." — Mark Twain (attributed)
Etymology
The word "animal" has a fascinating journey through language! It ultimately comes from Latin.
Think of words like "animate" or "animation." They all share a common ancestor, and that's key to understanding "animal."
The word "animal" comes from the Latin noun animal, which meant "a living being" or "a being that breathes." This Latin word itself came from the Latin adjective animalis, meaning "having breath or soul," and that, in turn, came from the Latin word anima, which meant "breath," "soul," or "spirit."
So, at its very root, "animal" is about having breath or life.
The first known use of "animal" in English can be traced back to the Middle English period (around the late 1300s). At that time, its meaning was quite broad: it referred to any sentient (feeling) living creature, including humans.
Over time, especially after the 16th century, "animal" became more commonly used to refer specifically to non-human creatures, and it gradually took over from older English words like "beast" for this general meaning.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Animal
Animal crackers: A type of biscuit shaped like various animals.
Animal house: A place characterized by wild or unruly behavior (from the film title).
Animal magnetism: A strong, captivating personal charm or allure.
Animal spirits: Lively, uninhibited, and often boisterous energy.
Party animal: Someone who enjoys parties and lively social events enthusiastically.
Spirit animal: A totem animal believed to guide or protect an individual.
Treat someone like an animal: To treat someone with extreme cruelty or without respect.
Be an animal at something: To be exceptionally good, strong, or fierce at a particular activity (e.g., "He's an animal on the football field.").
Wild animal: An untamed creature, or metaphorically, a person acting without restraint.
Work like an animal: To work extremely hard.
A beast of burden: An animal used for carrying loads (or, metaphorically, a person doing heavy labor).
The elephant in the room: An obvious problem or controversial issue that no one wants to discuss (using an animal synonym).
Wolf in sheep's clothing: Someone who appears friendly but is actually dangerous (using an animal synonym).
To kill two birds with one stone: To achieve two things at once (using an animal synonym).
Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret (using an animal synonym).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of animal from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
