feather
feather
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "feather" is /ˈfeð.ər/.
fea: /ˈfeð/
ther: /ər/
Word Form Variations
Noun: feather (singular), feathers (plural)
Verb: feather (base form), feathers (third person singular present), feathered (past tense, past participle), feathering (present participle)
Adjective: feathered, feathery
Adverb: (No direct adverb form)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Feather
Any of the light, flattened structures forming the outer covering of a bird's body, or found on some insects.
Synonyms: plume, down, quill (specific types of feathers)
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms, as it describes a specific biological structure)
A very small or negligible amount, often used metaphorically.
Synonyms: trifle, bit, speck, trace
Antonyms: heavy weight, substantial amount, burden
Verb
Feather
(Of a bird or animal) to grow feathers or hair.
Synonyms: fledge, grow plumage
Antonyms: moult, shed
To cover or adorn with feathers.
Synonyms: adorn, deck, trim, array
Antonyms: strip, unfeather
To move like a feather; to turn (an oar or propeller blade) almost horizontally in its backward stroke through the air or water to reduce resistance.
Synonyms: skim, glide, angle, rotate
Antonyms: resist, drag
Adjective
Feathered
Having feathers; covered with feathers.
Synonyms: plumed, downy (if soft feathers), winged
Antonyms: unfeathered, bald (in context of birds)
(Of an arrow) having feathers for stabilization.
Synonyms: fletched
Antonyms: unfletched
Feathery
Light, soft, or delicate like a feather.
Synonyms: downy, fluffy, light, delicate, soft
Antonyms: heavy, coarse, rough, hard, dense
Examples of Use
Books
Children's Literature: Many stories feature birds or animals with specific types of feathers. "The little bird lost a feather from its wing." Books might describe a bed filled with soft feathers.
Non-fiction (Ornithology/Biology): Scientific texts often detail the structure and function of feathers. For instance, The Sibley Guide to Birds discusses different feather patterns for identification (Knopf, March 2014).
Fiction: Authors might use "feather" metaphorically. "His touch was as light as a feather." A character might find a rare feather as a sign.
Newspapers
News Articles: Reports on wildlife or environmental issues might mention birds losing feathers due to pollution. "Experts are concerned about feather loss in local bird populations."
Lifestyle/Home Sections: Articles might suggest using feather pillows for better sleep or include craft ideas using feathers.
Sports Sections: Articles on archery might refer to the feathers (fletching) on an arrow.
Online Publications
DIY/Craft Blogs: Many tutorials show how to create decorations or jewelry using feathers. "Learn how to make a beautiful feather wreath."
Birding/Wildlife Websites: These sites provide detailed information and images of various bird feathers for identification purposes. "Identify this bird by its distinct tail feathers."
E-commerce: Products like feather boas, feather extensions, or feather-light jackets are sold online.
Social Media: People often share aesthetically pleasing photos of feathers found in nature or feather-adorned fashion items.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Characters might find a significant feather as a clue in a mystery. A special effect might show a magical object floating down like a feather. The phrase "light as a feather" is often used in dialogue.
Music: Song lyrics often use feathers as metaphors for lightness, freedom, or softness. "Floating on a feather breeze."
Video Games: Characters might collect feathers as items, or spells might cause objects to feather through the air.
Documentaries: Wildlife documentaries showcase birds preening their feathers or using feathers for display.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people might say, "That jacket is light as a feather," or "I found a beautiful feather in the park." "He didn't lift a feather to help."
Crafts/Hobbies: Discussions among crafters about using different types of feathers for projects.
Bird Watching: Enthusiasts discuss the characteristics of different feathers to identify bird species.
Idiomatic Usage: Phrases like "to feather one's nest" (to make oneself rich, often dishonestly) or "tar and feather" (a historical form of public punishment) are used.
10 Quotes Using Feather
"It is not the finest feather that makes the finest bird." (Aesop)
"Man is a featherless biped." (Plato)
"Hope is the thing with feathers." (Emily Dickinson)
"A single feather can carry the weight of a powerful message."
"Even the mightiest wings began with one small feather."
"His spirit felt as light as a feather after casting off his burdens."
"The subtle shift of a feather can change a bird's entire trajectory."
"Truth, though often heavy, can be revealed by a feather-light touch."
"He who claims pure innocence must not have a single feather of guilt upon him."
"Life's journey is a gentle descent, sometimes, like a falling feather."
Etymology
The word "feather" comes from the Old English word "fēther," which meant "a feather" or "a wing." It has roots in ancient Indo-European languages, reflecting a very old concept related to flying or bird parts.
The first known use of "feather" in English, with the meaning of "one of the growths forming the plumage of a bird," dates back to before the 9th century. It appeared in texts referring directly to the light, often flat, structures covering birds.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Feather
A feather in one's cap: An achievement or honor to be proud of. "Winning that award was a real feather in her cap."
Light as a feather: Extremely light in weight. "The new drone is light as a feather."
Birds of a feather flock together: People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other. "It's no surprise they're friends; birds of a feather flock together."
Feather one's nest: To make oneself rich, often by taking unfair advantage of a position. "The corrupt official was caught feathering his nest."
Show the white feather: To show cowardice. "When faced with danger, he unexpectedly showed the white feather."
Feathered friend: A bird (an affectionate term). "He enjoys watching his feathered friends in the garden."
Smooth/ruffle one's feathers: To calm or annoy someone, respectively. "He tried to smooth her feathers after the argument."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of feather from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
