Catlike: meaning, definitions and examples

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catlike

 

[หˆkatหŒlฤซk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Resembling or characteristic of a cat, especially in being sleek, graceful, or agile.

Synonyms

agile, feline, graceful, sleek.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
catlike

Best used when describing someone or something that moves quietly and stealthily, much like a cat.

  • She moved with a catlike grace through the dimly lit room
feline

Often used to directly relate to cats or cat-like features, behaviors, or qualities.

  • Her feline eyes glowed in the darkness
  • The hunter exhibited feline instincts while stalking his prey
sleek

Best used to describe something that is smooth, shiny, and elegant. Can refer to both appearance and movement.

  • The car had a sleek design that turned heads everywhere it went
  • She had sleek hair that shined in the sunlight
graceful

Used to describe someone or something that moves in a smooth, elegant, and attractive way.

  • The dancer was incredibly graceful, each movement a perfect harmony of strength and beauty
agile

Appropriate for describing physical abilities related to quick and smooth movements. It can also be used metaphorically to describe mental sharpness.

  • The gymnast performed an agile routine on the balance beam
  • He was mentally agile, solving puzzles in record time

Examples of usage

  • She moved with a catlike grace.
  • His catlike reflexes helped him dodge the ball.
  • The thief had a catlike stealth as he crept through the house.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

Having physical features similar to those of a cat, such as slanted eyes or a pointed nose.

Synonyms

cat-eyed, feline, pointed-nosed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
catlike

Used to describe someone or something that moves silently, gracefully, or stealthily, similar to a cat. It can convey a sense of agility and elegance.

  • Her catlike movements allowed her to sneak up on the unsuspecting bird.
  • The thief had a catlike grace as he climbed the wall.
feline

Used to describe traits or behaviors typical of cats. This can refer to physical characteristics, movements, or behaviors. It is a more formal term.

  • She had a feline elegance about her.
  • The cat's feline instincts kicked in as it saw the mouse.
cat-eyed

Refers to having eyes that resemble those of a cat, often suggesting sharp or striking eye appearance. This can imply keen observation or a mysterious allure.

  • Her cat-eyed gaze pierced through the crowd.
  • He was known for his cat-eyed vision that missed nothing.
pointed-nosed

Describes someone or something with a nose that is sharp or protruding. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative or less flattering connotation.

  • The pointed-nosed man looked at us suspiciously.
  • A pointed-nosed profile isn't very common.

Examples of usage

  • Her catlike eyes seemed to follow my every move.
  • The mask had a catlike shape with pointed ears.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'catlike' combines 'cat,' which has Old English roots, with 'like,' suggesting similarity.
  • Its usage dates back to at least the 14th century, emphasizing the stealthy and graceful characteristics of cats.

Behavioral Science

  • Studies indicate that cats possess highly developed muscle control, allowing them to move quietly and effortlessly.
  • Many animals, including humans, learn to mimic characteristics of cats, such as stealth and agility, in various contexts.

Literature

  • The 'catlike' nature of characters appears frequently in literature, often symbolizing mystery or elegance.
  • Authors like Lewis Carroll and Edgar Allan Poe used catlike traits in their stories to depict cunning and elusive characters.

Pop Culture

  • Many superheroes, such as Catwoman, are depicted with catlike moves and agility, embodying stealthiness and grace.
  • Catlike behavior is often parodied in cartoons, showcasing playful depictions of this gracefulness.

Cultural Associations

  • In various cultures, cats are revered as symbols of independence and agility, leading to 'catlike' becoming a metaphor for those traits.
  • Cats are often featured in folklore as magical or mystical creatures, amplifying the significance of being 'catlike' in storytelling.

Translations

Translations of the word "catlike" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น felino

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคฟเคฒเฅเคฒเฅ€ เคœเฅˆเคธเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช katzenartig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ seperti kucing

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพั‚ัั‡ะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ koci

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็Œซใฎใ‚ˆใ†ใช (neko no yลna)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fรฉlin

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ felino

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kedi gibi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ณ ์–‘์ด ๊ฐ™์€ (goyang-i gateun)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุซู„ ุงู„ู‚ุท (mithl alqiแนญแนญ)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ koฤiฤรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ maฤacรญ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅƒ็Œซไธ€ๆ ท็š„ (xiร ng mฤo yฤซyร ng de)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ maฤji

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kattarlรญkur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผั‹ัั‹า› ั‚ำ™ั€ั–ะทะดั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒขแƒแƒกแƒแƒ•แƒ˜แƒ— (k'atasavit)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ piลŸik kimi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ felino

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,598, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.