Animals: meaning, definitions and examples

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animals

[ˈænɪməlz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

wildlife

Living organisms that are multicellular, eukaryotic, and belong to the kingdom Animalia. Animals can be classified into different groups based on their characteristics and habitats.

Synonyms

beasts, creatures, fauna.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
animals	This is a general term used to refer to living organisms that are not plants, fungi, or bacteria. Suitable for everyday conversation and academic contexts. Animals play an essential role in ecosystems. Children love learning about animals at the zoo.
creatures	This word is often used to describe animals in a broader sense, including mythical or fantastical beings. It is suitable for stories, scientific discussion, or when referring to mysterious or unknown animals. The deep ocean is home to many mysterious creatures. Folktales are filled with strange and magical creatures.
beasts	This term has a more dramatic and sometimes negative connotation, often used to describe wild or formidable animals. It is commonly found in literature, fantasy, and folklore. The knight fought bravely against the ferocious beasts. Legends tell of beasts that roam the dark forests.
fauna	A more scientific and formal term, often used in academic, ecological, or biological contexts to describe the animal life of a particular region or environment. The fauna of the Amazon rainforest is incredibly diverse. Studying the island's fauna provides insights into evolutionary processes.

Examples of usage

Many animals are endangered due to habitat destruction.
The zoo is home to a variety of animals from around the world.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

pet ownership

Domesticated creatures kept by humans for companionship or work. Pets provide emotional support and companionship to their owners.

Synonyms

companions, pets.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
animals	Use when referring to living organisms that are not human, without implying any specific relationship with humans. This term is general and encompasses a wide range of species. There are many animals in the forest. Scientists study animals to understand more about nature.
pets	Fit for describing domesticated animals kept for pleasure, affection or entertainment. This term usually refers to animals living in human households. They have two pets: a cat and a dog. Many people find joy in having pets at home.
companions	Best used to denote animals that provide company to humans, stressing the bond and mutual affection. It is often employed to highlight emotional support and friendship. Dogs make great companions for people living alone. Her horse is more than just an animal; it is her loyal companion.

Word

Description / Examples

animals

Use when referring to living organisms that are not human, without implying any specific relationship with humans. This term is general and encompasses a wide range of species.

There are many animals in the forest.
Scientists study animals to understand more about nature.

pets

Fit for describing domesticated animals kept for pleasure, affection or entertainment. This term usually refers to animals living in human households.

They have two pets: a cat and a dog.
Many people find joy in having pets at home.

companions

Best used to denote animals that provide company to humans, stressing the bond and mutual affection. It is often employed to highlight emotional support and friendship.

Dogs make great companions for people living alone.
Her horse is more than just an animal; it is her loyal companion.

Examples of usage

My dog is my loyal and loving animal companion.
Many people consider their pets to be part of the family.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

insult

A term used to describe a person's behavior as uncivilized, brutish, or inconsiderate. Calling someone an animal is often considered offensive.

Synonyms

barbarian, brute, savage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
animals	Can be used figuratively to describe people behaving wildly or uncivilized, often in informal settings During the concert, the crowd behaved like animals.
savage	Describes someone or something as violent, cruel, or lacking civilization, usually with a very negative connotation The novelist described the pirate as a savage who took no prisoners. The villagers lived in fear of the savage beast that roamed the forest.
brute	Refers to someone or something that is physically strong but not intelligent, sometimes with a negative connotation He was a brute of a man, capable of lifting heavy weights with ease. Don’t let that brute of a dog scare you.
barbarian	Describes someone who is perceived as uncivilized or primitive, often with a historical or literary connotation The ancient Romans considered anyone outside their empire to be a barbarian. In the story, the hero defends the village from barbarian invaders.

Examples of usage

He behaved like a wild animal during the argument.
Don't act like an animal, show some manners!

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'animal' comes from the Latin 'animalis,' meaning 'having breath' or 'living being.'
In ancient times, animals were often named based on their sounds or key characteristics, which influenced modern terminology.

Biology

Animals are classified into various groups, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, based on their features.
Most animals are multicellular organisms that rely on other living things for food, except for some, like plants, which can make their own food.
The study of animals is known as zoology, a branch of biology that explores their behavior, physiology, and interactions.

Cultural Significance

Throughout history, animals have been symbols of various meanings in cultures, such as lions representing bravery or owls symbolizing wisdom.
In many cultures, animals have been important figures in myths and legends, often representing morals or values through their stories.

Conservation

Today, many animal species are endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, which raises awareness for conservation efforts.
Organizations worldwide work to protect wildlife and preserve natural habitats, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity.

Pop Culture

Animals often star in movies and books, teaching lessons about friendship, bravery, and the environment, as seen in films like 'Finding Nemo' or 'Zootopia.'
The popularity of pets has led to a booming industry that includes pet care, grooming, and toy production, showcasing the strong bond between humans and animals.

Translations

Translations of the word "animals" in other languages:

🇵🇹 animais

🇮🇳 जानवर

🇩🇪 Tiere

🇮🇩 hewan

🇺🇦 тварини

🇵🇱 zwierzęta

🇯🇵 動物 (どうぶつ)

🇫🇷 animaux

🇪🇸 animales

🇹🇷 hayvanlar

🇰🇷 동물 (동물들)

🇸🇦 حيوانات

🇨🇿 zvířata

🇸🇰 zvieratá

🇨🇳 动物 (dòngwù)

🇸🇮 živali

🇮🇸 dýr

🇰🇿 жануарлар

🇬🇪 ცხოველები

🇦🇿 heyvanlar

🇲🇽 animales

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,022, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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1019 appeal
1020 technical
1021 event
1022 animals
1023 getting
1024 cold
1025 error
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