tiger
tiger
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "tiger" is /ˈtaɪ.ɡər/.
/ˈtaɪ/
/ɡər/
Word Form Variations
Noun: tiger (singular), tigers (plural), tigress (female singular), tigresses (female plural)
Adjective: tiger (used attributively, e.g., "tiger stripe," "tiger balm") - no comparative/superlative forms.
Verb: (No direct verb form in common use. "Tiger" can be informally used to mean to fiercely pursue or act aggressively, but it's rare and informal).
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A very large solitary cat (Panthera tigris) with a yellow-brown coat and black stripes, native to Asia. It is known as a powerful and fierce predator.
Synonyms: big cat, feline, predator (specifically referring to the animal)
Antonyms: prey, herbivore, gazelle (as contrasting animal categories or specific prey)
Definition 2: A fierce, brave, or formidable person, especially one who is strong-willed or aggressive.
Synonyms: warrior, fighter, powerhouse, dynamo, champion, strongman/strongwoman
Antonyms: coward, weakling, pushover, softy, timid person
Definition 3: (Informal) A loud shout or cheer, typically at the end of a cheer or chant.
Synonyms: roar, bellow, shout, cheer, hurrah
Antonyms: whisper, murmur, silence, hush
Definition 4: (Obsolete) A servant, especially a small boy in livery; a groom's helper.
Synonyms: page, groom, footman, valet
Antonyms: master, employer
Adjective
Definition 1: Of or relating to a tiger; having stripes like a tiger. (Used attributively)
Synonyms: striped, streaked, brindled, tabby (for cats)
Antonyms: plain, solid, unstriped
Definition 2: Exhibiting fierceness, strength, or aggressive determination characteristic of a tiger. (Often in figurative phrases like "tiger mom" or "tiger economy")
Synonyms: fierce, aggressive, strong, powerful, determined, intense
Antonyms: gentle, weak, timid, docile, submissive
Examples of Use
Books:
"The magnificent tiger padded silently through the dense jungle, a formidable predator in its natural habitat." (Fictional example from a nature novel or adventure story, e.g., Life of Pi by Yann Martel)
"She was a tiger in the courtroom, fiercely defending her clients with unwavering resolve." (Fictional example, metaphorical use, from a legal thriller)
"The book explores the concept of the 'Asian Tiger' economies and their rapid industrial growth in the late 20th century." (From a non-fiction book on economics or geopolitics)
Newspapers:
"Conservation efforts are struggling to protect the critically endangered Siberian tiger population." ("The Guardian,")
"The CEO, known as a corporate tiger, announced an aggressive expansion plan for the company." ("Business Daily Africa,")
"Reports indicate that the government is cracking down on the illegal trade in tiger parts." ("Daily Nation,")
Online Publications:
"Learn about the unique social behavior of the Bengal tiger in its natural environment." (An article on a wildlife conservation website, e.g., "WWF.org,")
"Are you a 'tiger mom'? Exploring the pros and cons of strict parenting styles." (An article on a parenting blog, e.g., "Parenting.com,")
"Our new online game allows you to train your own virtual tiger and compete against other players." (A promotional piece for a mobile game, e.g., "Pocket Gems,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Grrr! They're great!" (Tony the Tiger, mascot for Frosted Flakes, often seen in animated commercials or referenced in pop culture films)
Television Series: "Our brave wildlife team attempts to collar a wild tiger for tracking and research purposes." (A segment from a nature documentary series, e.g., Planet Earth)
Song Lyrics: "It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight." (Survivor, "Eye of the Tiger," 1982)
Video Games: "Beware the ancient tiger spirit guarding the temple. Its attacks are ferocious!" (In-game warning or lore in an RPG, e.g., Ghost of Tsushima)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we delve into the cultural significance of the tiger in Asian folklore and mythology." (A podcast on mythology or cultural studies, e.g., "Myths and Legends")
General Public Discourse:
"He's a real tiger when it comes to negotiating; he never backs down." (Describing someone as fierce or determined)
"My child loves their new stuffed tiger; they take it everywhere." (A casual statement about a toy)
"Did you see the new movie about the man who lived with a tiger? It was amazing!" (A comment about a film like Life of Pi)
"She's a tiger on the basketball court; nobody can stop her." (Praising an athlete's aggressive play)
"I need some tiger balm for my sore muscles." (Referring to a specific product)
10 Quotes Using Tiger
"Tyger! Tyger! burning bright / In the forests of the night." (William Blake, "The Tyger," 1794)
"It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight." (Survivor, "Eye of the Tiger," 1982)
"I thought, 'This is a great moment, but I'm just playing the part of a tiger.'" (Siegfried Fischbacher of Siegfried & Roy)
"The tiger springs in the new year. Us he devours." (T.S. Eliot, Gerontion, 1920)
"A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a tiger needs the approval of sheep." (Vernon Howard)
"You want to know what I did? I killed a tiger." (Dialogue from Life of Pi, 2012 film)
"I am not a lion, but a tiger, and I will roar when provoked." (Lesser-known, but often found in contexts of fierce determination)
"My swing is a tiger swing." (Tiger Woods)
"She was a tiger in the boardroom, but a lamb at home." (Original quote, contrasting public and private personas)
"The tiger that does not hunt starves." (African proverb)
Etymology
The word "tiger" has a very ancient and widespread origin, tracing its way back through several languages.
It comes to us through Old French (tigre) and ultimately from the Latin word tigris.
The Latin tigris itself was borrowed from the Ancient Greek word tigris (τίγρις).
The Greek word, in turn, is believed to have come from an even older Old Persian word tigra, which meant "sharp" or "pointed." This is thought to be connected to the animal's sharp claws or fangs, or perhaps the swift, "sharp" movement of the river Tigris, with which the animal was associated.
So, when "tiger" first entered the English language, around the late 12th century (Middle English period), its meaning was already quite clear: "the large, powerful, striped feline predator" that we know today. Its association with fierceness, strength, and majesty has also been present throughout its linguistic history.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Tiger
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "tiger":
Paper tiger: A person or thing that appears threatening but is ineffectual.
Tiger mom: A demanding parent who pushes their children to high levels of achievement.
Tiger economy: An economy that grows very rapidly.
Eye of the tiger: A look of fierce determination; extreme focus on a goal.
To hold a tiger by the tail: To have a powerful and dangerous situation under one's control, but with great difficulty and risk.
To put a tiger in one's tank: To give someone or something a boost of energy or power. (From an old Esso/Exxon advertising slogan)
A tiger in the tank: A hidden source of power or aggression. (Lesser-known variation of "put a tiger in one's tank")
Tiger by the whiskers: To take a foolish or dangerous risk. (Synonym for "hold a tiger by the tail")
Like a caged tiger: Restless and agitated due to confinement or frustration.
Tiger stripes: Distinctive black and orange (or white) striped patterns, like those on a tiger.
To unleash the tiger: To release a powerful, aggressive, or determined force. (Original phrase, building on the animal's nature)
A fierce competitor: Someone who is highly aggressive and determined in competition. (Synonym for "a tiger" in sports or business)
To have claws: To possess a sharp, aggressive, or critical nature. (Metaphorically, like a tiger)
To pounce like a tiger: To attack or seize something quickly and aggressively.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of tiger from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
