Fox Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fox

[fɒks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

animal

A carnivorous mammal of the dog family with a pointed muzzle and bushy tail, known for its cunning and adaptability.

Synonyms

reynard, tod, toddy, vixen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fox	General term for the animal. Often used in both everyday conversation and in scientific contexts. I saw a fox in my backyard last night Foxes are known for their cunning nature
vixen	Term for a female fox. Can also be used metaphorically to describe a woman perceived as attractive but temperamental. The metaphorical use can have negative connotations. A vixen and her cubs were seen near the river She was known as the vixen of the neighborhood due to her fiery temper
reynard	Formal or literary term for a male fox. Used in storytelling, literature, and sometimes in heraldry. The cunning Reynard outwitted the hunters yet again Reynard the Fox is a popular figure in medieval fables
tod	Old-fashioned term for a male fox. Mostly found in dialectal English or in historical texts. The farmer spotted a tod lurking near the henhouse In old tales, the tod was a symbol of cleverness
toddy	Less common variant of 'tod', mostly used in specific regional dialects. Rarely used in modern English. A toddy trotted through the misty woods at dawn The village folk used to tell stories of a mischievous toddy

Examples of usage

The fox stealthily approached its prey.
The cunning fox outsmarted the hunter.
The bushy tail of the fox swayed as it ran through the forest.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

colloquial

A person who is clever, sly, or crafty.

Synonyms

crafty individual, cunning person, slyboots.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fox	Commonly used to describe a person who is clever in a charming or sly way, often with a positive connotation. She's such a fox; she charmed everyone effortlessly at the party
slyboots	An informal and somewhat playful term to describe someone who is sly or clever, typically with a hint of affection or amusement. Watch out for him; he's a real slyboots and always pulls pranks on his friends
cunning person	Used to describe someone who is skillful in getting what they want, often through deceit. This term has a negative connotation. The cunning person manipulated everyone to achieve their own ends
crafty individual	Often used to describe someone who is clever and skilled in achieving their goals, sometimes in a deceitful manner, with a neutral to slightly negative connotation. He's a crafty individual; he always finds a way to get what he wants

Examples of usage

He is a real fox when it comes to negotiating deals.
Don't trust him, he's a sly fox.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

informal

To deceive or outwit someone.

Synonyms

deceive, outwit, trick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fox	The term 'fox' can be slang for outsmarting someone. He foxed his opponent in the chess game. I was out of moves and he foxed me easily.
deceive	Deceive is used when someone deliberately makes someone else believe something that is not true. This word has a negative connotation. He tried to deceive his boss into thinking he had completed the project. She felt deeply hurt when she realized she had been deceived by her friend.
outwit	Outwit is used when someone uses their intelligence to beat or outmaneuver someone else in a clever way. The detective managed to outwit the criminal and solve the case. She outwitted her competitors to win the business contract.
trick	Trick is used when someone uses a deceptive or playful tactic to confuse or mislead someone. This can be either playful or malicious. The magician tricked the audience with his amazing illusion. He played a cruel trick on his sister by hiding her diary.

Examples of usage

She managed to fox her opponents with her clever tactics.
The con artist tried to fox the old lady into giving him her money.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In many cultures around the world, foxes are symbols of cunning and trickery, often represented as clever characters in folklore.
Japanese culture has the 'kitsune', a mythical fox that possesses magical abilities and is a protector of rice fields.

Wildlife

Foxes are adaptable creatures, found in diverse habitats including urban areas, forests, grasslands, and tundras.
The red fox is the most common species, known for its distinctive reddish fur and bushy white-tipped tail.

Literature and Media

Foxes have featured prominently in literature, like in Aesop's Fables, where they often embody trickster qualities.
In modern media, characters like Disney's 'Robin Hood' and 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' showcase the charm and cleverness attributed to them.

Ecology

As omnivores, foxes eat a varied diet, ranging from small rodents to fruits, showcasing their adaptability.
They play an important role in controlling pest populations, contributing to ecosystem balance.

Origin of 'fox'

Main points about word origin

The word 'fox' comes from the Old English 'fox', which has roots in Proto-Germanic, meaning 'to secure' or 'to catch'.
In ancient languages, the term for this animal often mirrored its cunning nature, reflecting how people saw them as clever hunters.

The word 'fox' originated from Old English 'fox,' which is of West Germanic origin and related to Dutch 'vos' and German 'Fuchs.' The cunning and adaptability of the fox in nature have led to its symbolic representation as a sly and clever creature in various cultures and folklore.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,948 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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