Fledgling: meaning, definitions and examples

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fledgling

[ˈflɛdʒlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

inexperienced bird

A young bird that has just acquired its feathers and is learning to fly. Fledglings are often seen hopping around on the ground or perched on branches, practicing their flying skills.

Synonyms

juvenile bird, young bird.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fledgling	Used when referring to a bird that has just acquired its feathers and is learning to fly. It's also used metaphorically to describe someone who is new and inexperienced. The fledgling sparrow flapped its wings nervously before taking off. The fledgling entrepreneur struggled to find investors for her startup.
young bird	A general term used to describe any bird that is in its early stages of life, without specifying the exact stage of development. The farmer discovered a nest full of young birds. During spring, the forest is filled with the chirping of young birds.
juvenile bird	Used to describe a bird that is young but past the fledgling stage. It highlights the bird's stage in development between being a baby and an adult. The juvenile bird's feathers were not as colorful as the adults'. As a juvenile bird, it was still learning the rules of the flock.

Word

Description / Examples

fledgling

Used when referring to a bird that has just acquired its feathers and is learning to fly. It's also used metaphorically to describe someone who is new and inexperienced.

The fledgling sparrow flapped its wings nervously before taking off.
The fledgling entrepreneur struggled to find investors for her startup.

young bird

A general term used to describe any bird that is in its early stages of life, without specifying the exact stage of development.

The farmer discovered a nest full of young birds.
During spring, the forest is filled with the chirping of young birds.

juvenile bird

Used to describe a bird that is young but past the fledgling stage. It highlights the bird's stage in development between being a baby and an adult.

The juvenile bird's feathers were not as colorful as the adults'.
As a juvenile bird, it was still learning the rules of the flock.

Examples of usage

The fledgling robin was trying to fly for the first time.
The nest was full of chirping fledglings waiting for their mother to return with food.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

inexperienced person

A person who is new or inexperienced in a particular activity or field. Fledglings are often eager to learn and develop their skills.

Synonyms

beginner, novice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fledgling	This word is often used to describe someone who is new and still developing in a specific field or activity, similar to how a young bird (a fledgling) is new to flying. It conveys a sense of initial growth and potential. The fledgling startup is already making waves in the tech industry. As a fledgling writer, she was eager to learn and improve her skills.
novice	This term is often used in formal or specific contexts to denote someone who is new and inexperienced in a particular area. It can sometimes imply a need for further learning and can also be used in settings like religious orders. He is a novice in the field of data science, so he is taking introductory courses. The novice monks took vows after a year of training.
beginner	This is the most general term for someone who is just starting to learn or do something. It can be used in any situation, from hobbies to professional activities, and does not carry a specific connotation. She is a beginner in yoga, so she started with basic poses. The class is designed for beginners, so no prior experience is required.

Word

Description / Examples

fledgling

This word is often used to describe someone who is new and still developing in a specific field or activity, similar to how a young bird (a fledgling) is new to flying. It conveys a sense of initial growth and potential.

The fledgling startup is already making waves in the tech industry.
As a fledgling writer, she was eager to learn and improve her skills.

novice

This term is often used in formal or specific contexts to denote someone who is new and inexperienced in a particular area. It can sometimes imply a need for further learning and can also be used in settings like religious orders.

He is a novice in the field of data science, so he is taking introductory courses.
The novice monks took vows after a year of training.

beginner

This is the most general term for someone who is just starting to learn or do something. It can be used in any situation, from hobbies to professional activities, and does not carry a specific connotation.

She is a beginner in yoga, so she started with basic poses.
The class is designed for beginners, so no prior experience is required.

Examples of usage

As a fledgling journalist, she was excited to cover her first story.
The company welcomed the fledgling engineer to their team.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'fledg(an)', meaning to fly, which hints at its connection with young birds taking flight.
Historically, 'fledgling' has been used to describe young birds lacking feathers for flight around the late 14th century.
The term has expanded over time to include not just baby birds, but also novices or beginners in various fields.

Literature

In literature, fledglings often symbolize growth and the journey of self-discovery, as characters find their wings.
Fledglings appear frequently in fables and allegories, highlighting the importance of taking risks when growing up.
Famous literary works often use the idea of a fledgling to discuss themes of maturation and overcoming challenges.

Pop Culture

In movies and shows, fledglings are often depicted as clumsy but lovable characters learning to navigate their worlds.
Book series about magical worlds often feature fledging sorcerers or creatures discovering their powers for the first time.
The term has made its way into various song lyrics symbolizing new beginnings or stepping into the unknown.

Biology

Fledglings typically stay in the nest for some time before they learn to fly, and during this period, their parents care for them.
The fledging period is crucial for survival, as young birds learn vital skills like finding food and avoiding predators.
Feather development is vital during the fledgling phase, as incomplete feathers can affect a bird's ability to fly efficiently.

Psychology

In psychological terms, fledglings represent the stages of learning and development and can relate to feelings of insecurity in new situations.
The transition from fledgling to experienced can evoke feelings of excitement and anxiety, common in early learning stages.
Understanding one's fledgling phase in any endeavor can help normalize struggles and promote resilience.

Translations

Translations of the word "fledgling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pássaro jovem

🇮🇳 नवजात पक्षी

🇩🇪 Jungvogel

🇮🇩 anak burung

🇺🇦 пташеня

🇵🇱 młody ptak

🇯🇵 ひな鳥

🇫🇷 oiseau novice

🇪🇸 pájaro joven

🇹🇷 yavru kuş

🇰🇷 아기 새

🇸🇦 فرخ الطائر

🇨🇿 mladý pták

🇸🇰 mladý vták

🇨🇳 雏鸟

🇸🇮 mlada ptica

🇮🇸 ungur fugl

🇰🇿 жас құс

🇬🇪 ახალგაზრდა ჩიტი

🇦🇿 cavan quş

🇲🇽 pájaro joven

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,680, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20677 meekness
20678 advert
20679 mistook
20680 fledgling
20681 subtype
20682 leeway
20683 musty
...