Beasts: meaning, definitions and examples

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beasts

[biːsts ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

wild animals

Beasts refer to wild animals, especially large and powerful ones. They are often associated with the wilderness and untamed nature.

Synonyms

creatures, monsters, wild animals.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
beasts	Used to refer to large, impressive, or strong animals, often with a connotation of wildness or power. Can also be used metaphorically for people. The beasts of the jungle roared in the night. He fought like a beast on the football field.
wild animals	Refers specifically to animals that live in natural environments, not domesticated. Often used in a scientific or ecological context. The park is a sanctuary for wild animals. Documentaries often feature wild animals in their natural habitats.
creatures	Refers to any living being, often used in a broad sense including both animals and mythical beings. Can also be used to evoke a sense of mystery or fascination. Many strange creatures live deep in the ocean. The fairy tale was full of magical creatures.
monsters	Typically used to describe frightening or dangerous creatures, often from mythology, horror stories, or imagination. Usually with a negative connotation. The children were terrified of the monsters under their beds. In the movie, a giant monster attacks the city.

Examples of usage

Many beasts roam freely in the jungle.
The hunter was tracking a fierce beast through the forest.
The villagers were afraid of the legendary beast said to inhabit the mountains.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

derogatory term for a person

Beasts can also be used as a derogatory term to describe a person, usually implying that they are cruel, violent, or uncivilized.

Synonyms

barbarian, brute, savage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
beasts	Used to describe wild animals, especially those that are large and dangerous. It can also refer to someone who is acting in a very aggressive manner but lacks a negative moral implication. Lions and tigers are fierce beasts of the jungle. He fought like a beast in the ring.
savage	Used to describe someone or something that is extremely violent or uncontrolled, carries a strong negative connotation of being cruel and merciless. The captive was subjected to savage beatings by his captors. Her savage critique of his work left him devastated.
brute	Often used to describe a person or animal that is physically strong and aggressive, usually with a negative implication of lacking sensitivity or intelligence. The bodyguard was a brute, intimidating everyone around him. He was known as a brute on the football field, overpowering everyone in his path.
barbarian	Used to describe someone who is perceived as uncivilized or primitive, often with a negative connotation implying a lack of culture or refinement. The invading army was considered a horde of barbarians by the locals. Only a barbarian would behave in such a rude manner at a formal dinner.

Examples of usage

He behaved like a complete beast towards his colleagues.
The dictator was known for his ruthless and beastly behavior.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin term 'bestia', which means a wild animal, especially a brutish one.
In Old French, it transformed into 'beste', which referred to beasts in a general sense, often used negatively.
Over centuries, 'beast' has evolved to represent both wild animals and mythical creatures in various cultures.

Literature

In many fables, beasts are used to convey moral lessons, such as Aesop's fables where animals talk and behave like humans.
The term features prominently in classic literature, including 'Beasts of England' in George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', symbolizing rebellion.
Beast characters often represent various aspects of human nature, exploring themes of fear, strength, and instinct.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'Beauty and the Beast' depict the bridge between human and animal traits, exploring themes of love and transformation.
The video game series 'Monster Hunter' features massive beasts that players hunt, emphasizing the thrill of adventure.
In the Pokémon franchise, creatures are referred to as 'beasts', demonstrating their attributes and powers in battles.

Psychology

People often view certain creatures as symbols of fear or strength, reflecting personal emotions and societal attitudes.
In children's development, fascination with beasts can represent the natural curiosity about the unknown and wild instincts.
A study found that certain hobbies involving 'beastly' themes, like animal documentaries, can foster empathy towards wildlife.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, beasts appear in mythologies, often representing chaos or natural forces that need to be tamed.
The depiction of beasts in art relates to the human struggle against nature, frequently seen in medieval tapestries and sculptures.
Totem animals in various indigenous cultures symbolize strength, guidance, and survival, reflecting humanity's connection to beasts.

Translations

Translations of the word "beasts" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bestas

🇮🇳 जानवर

🇩🇪 Bestien

🇮🇩 binatang buas

🇺🇦 звірі

🇵🇱 bestie

🇯🇵 獣

🇫🇷 bêtes

🇪🇸 bestias

🇹🇷 canavarlar

🇰🇷 짐승

🇸🇦 وحوش

🇨🇿 bestie

🇸🇰 beštie

🇨🇳 野兽

🇸🇮 zveri

🇮🇸 skrímsli

🇰🇿 айуандар

🇬🇪 მხეცები

🇦🇿 vəhşilər

🇲🇽 bestias

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,395 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
7392 blew
7393 cholesterol
7394 lodge
7395 beasts
7396 heels
7397 patriotic
7398 wrath
...