animal
animal
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for the word "animal" is: /ˈæn.ɪ.məl/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
an: /æn/ - This syllable starts with a short "a" sound (as in "cat") followed by the nasal consonant "n".
i: /ɪ/ - This syllable uses a short "i" sound (as in "bit").
mal: /məl/ - This syllable begins with the consonant "m", then uses a schwa sound (ə - a very short, unstressed vowel, like the "a" in "about"), and ends with the consonant "l".
Word Form Variations
animal: Singular noun (e.g., "The animal is furry.")
animals: Plural noun (e.g., "There are many animals in the zoo.")
animalistic: Adjective (e.g., "His behavior was animalistic.")
animality: Noun (e.g., "The animality of their actions was shocking.")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1 (General): A living organism that feeds on organic matter, typically having specialized sense organs and nervous systems enabling rapid response to stimuli. Animals are generally capable of locomotion and are distinguished from plants by their lack of chlorophyll and inability to photosynthesize.
Synonyms: creature, beast, fauna, life form, organism
Antonyms: plant, flora, vegetable (in the biological sense)
Definition 2 (Informal): A non-human animal, especially a mammal. Often used in contrast to humans.
Synonyms: beast, critter (informal), varmint (informal, often derogatory)
Antonyms: human, person
Adjective:
Definition: Relating to or characteristic of animals, especially in their behavior or instincts.
Synonyms: beastly, feral, wild, zoological, instinctive
Antonyms: human, civilized, domesticated, cultivated
Verb (Less Common):
Definition: To treat someone in a cruel or inhumane way, as if they were a beast. To make something resemble an animal.
Synonyms: brutalize, dehumanize, savage, bestialize
Antonyms: humanize, civilize, treat with kindness
Adjective (Related - animalistic):
Definition: Resembling or characteristic of animals, especially in a primitive or instinctual way.
Synonyms: beastly, brutal, savage, instinctive, primal
Antonyms: rational, civilized, humane, sophisticated
Noun (Related - animality):
Definition: The state or quality of being an animal; animal nature. Often used in a negative context to refer to the more base or instinctual aspects of human behavior.
Synonyms: bestiality, brutality, savagery, instinct, physicality
Antonyms: humanity, rationality, intellect, spirituality
Examples of Use
Books:
"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." (George Orwell, Animal Farm) - This classic example uses "animal" in a metaphorical and allegorical way to represent different social classes.
"The animal kingdom is vast and diverse." (General Biology Textbook) - Used here in a scientific and classificatory context.
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"Local shelter seeks homes for abandoned animals." (Local Newspaper Headline) - A common usage in news reporting about animal welfare.
"Study shows surprising intelligence in animals." (Science Daily) - Used in a scientific context when reporting on research findings.
"Debate continues over animal rights." (Online News Article) - Used in discussions about ethical treatment of animals.
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Animal Planet (TV Channel) - The name of a popular television channel dedicated to programming about animals.
Jurassic Park (Film Series) - Features genetically recreated dinosaurs, prompting discussion about the ethics of manipulating animal DNA.
"Baby Shark" (Children's Song) - A popular children's song featuring an animal character.
Video games like Red Dead Redemption 2 often feature realistic depictions of animals and hunting.
General Public Discourse:
"My dog is my favorite animal." (Casual Conversation) - A common usage in everyday conversation.
"We need to protect endangered animals." (Environmental Advocacy) - Used in discussions about conservation and environmentalism.
"He behaved like an animal." (Figurative Language) - Used metaphorically to describe someone acting in a brutal or uncivilized way.
"What's your favorite animal?" (Common Question) - A common question in social interactions.
Social Media:
#animalphotography (Hashtag) - A popular hashtag used to share photos of animals.
Memes featuring animals are prevalent on various social media platforms. These often use animal behavior or characteristics for humorous effect.
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
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” — Anatole France
“Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to.” — Mark Twain
“The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.” — Charles de Gaulle
“Animals are such agreeable friends — they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” — George Eliot
“I am not an animal! I am a human being!” — The Elephant Man, 1980 film (dramatizing the struggle for humanity)
“Sometimes the best therapy is a walk with your dog — a reminder that we’re all animals at our core, craving connection and understanding.” — Original
“We are all animals, regardless of what we’ve learned to wear.” — Original
“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” — Martin Buber (paraphrased)
“The wildness in us is the animal that keeps our hearts from going cold.” — Original
Etymology
The word "animal" comes from the Latin word animalis, which meant "having breath" or "living being." Think of it like this: anima in Latin means "soul" or "breath," the thing that makes something alive. So, animalis is related to having that life force.
This Latin word then made its way into English, likely through Old French (animal). The first recorded uses of "animal" in English, around the 1300s, had the same basic meaning as the Latin root: a living creature, distinct from plants. It encompassed all sorts of creatures, from insects to mammals.
So, in essence, the word "animal" originally focused on the idea of life itself. It distinguished living, breathing beings from non-living things and plants. Over time, while the core meaning of a living creature remained, the word's usage often narrowed to specifically refer to non-human animals.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Animal
Phrases and some less common idioms using "animal":
Animal kingdom: This is a common phrase referring to the entire group of animals.
Animal rights: This phrase refers to the movement advocating for the ethical treatment of animals.
Animal instinct: Refers to innate, unlearned behaviors in animals.
A creature of habit: While not using "animal" directly, it implies a routine-driven nature, sometimes associated with animalistic behavior.
Wild animal: A common phrase distinguishing undomesticated animals.
Domestic animal: Refers to animals kept by humans, like pets or livestock.
Like a caged animal: (Idiom) Describes someone feeling trapped and restless.
Smell a rat: (Idiom) While not directly using "animal," it uses an animal to describe suspicion.
Let sleeping dogs lie: (Idiom) Again, using an animal, this means to avoid stirring up trouble.
The lion's share: (Idiom) Refers to the largest portion.
Why "animal" idioms are less common:
As mentioned, "animal" is a broad term. Idioms often rely on specific animal behaviors or characteristics. So, we have idioms about dogs (man's best friend, a dog's life), cats (cat got your tongue, curiosity killed the cat), birds (a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush), etc. These are more concrete and allow for more colorful and relatable comparisons.
Phrases and idioms using synonyms or related concepts:
Beastly behavior: Describes cruel or savage actions.
Act like a beast: Similar to "beastly behavior."
Go wild: To become unrestrained or uncontrolled.
Run wild: To be free and unrestrained.
Instinct takes over: Describes acting on impulse rather than reason.
The call of the wild: Refers to the allure of nature and freedom.
Survival of the fittest: A concept derived from the natural world, often applied to other contexts..
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.
