Barked: meaning, definitions and examples

Animal Behavior

• Dogs bark as a way to communicate their feelings, like excitement, fear, or warning.
• Different dog breeds have unique barking styles; for example, a Chihuahua often has a high-pitched bark, while a Great Dane's bark is deep and resonant.
• Barking can be a key indicator of a dog's state of mind; excessive barking might signal anxiety or boredom.

Language & Communication

• The term 'bark' has evolved in communication studies to denote abrupt, short vocalizations in many animal species, including monkeys and birds.
• Human languages often use similar short, loud sounds to convey urgency, mirroring how dogs bark for attention or to alert others.
• In some cultures, children are taught to mimic the sound of various animals, including dogs, to learn about animals and sounds in their environment.

Cultural References

• In films and literature, barking dogs often symbolize alertness; their barks can foreshadow danger or draw attention to important plot points.
• The phrase 'barking up the wrong tree' comes from hunting dogs that bark at the base of a tree where an animal is not found, meaning to misdirect one's efforts.
• Certain characters in children’s stories, like 'Clifford the Big Red Dog', use barking to express excitement or emotion, helping young readers connect with the story.

Psychology

• Studies show that the sound of barking can trigger different emotional responses in humans, from joy to alertness, depending on the context.
• Pet owners often report feeling comforted by the sound of their dog's barking, linking it to companionship and security.
• Research indicates that the frequency and pitch of a dog's bark can influence how people perceive a dog's mood and intent.

With rank #16,019, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 16016 incalculable
• 16017 adulterated
• 16018 ethereal
• 16019 barked
• 16020 overtake
• 16021 campaigning
• 16022 gleaned
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