Hare Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hare

[hษ›หr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal

A hare is a fast-running, herbivorous mammal with long ears and a divided upper lip. They are known for their speed and agility, often found in fields and meadows.

Synonyms

bunny, lapin, rabbit.

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Word Description / Examples
hare

Used to refer to a wild animal, typically larger, with longer ears and legs than rabbits. Common in literary contexts or nature references.

  • The hare swiftly darted across the open field
  • Hares are known for their speed and agility
rabbit

A general term used to refer to both wild and domesticated small mammals with long ears. Suitable for scientific, everyday, and casual references.

  • Rabbits are popular pets because of their gentle nature
  • The field was dotted with wild rabbits hopping around
bunny

Informal term often used affectionately, especially when referring to small, cute pet rabbits or in the context of children.

  • The little girl hugged her stuffed bunny tightly
  • Easter bunnies are a popular symbol during the holiday
lapin

A French term often used in culinary settings to refer to rabbit meat.

  • She prepared a delicious lapin stew for dinner
  • The restaurant's signature dish is sautรฉed lapin

Examples of usage

  • The hare darted across the field, disappearing into the bushes.
  • Hares are known for their ability to outrun predators.
Context #2 | Noun

British informal

A person who is inexperienced or easily fooled.

Synonyms

greenhorn, novice, rookie.

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Word Description / Examples
hare

Used to describe a person who is very fast or quick in what they do. It can also describe the animal itself, known for its speed.

  • He runs like a hare, always the fastest in the race.
  • The hare dashed across the field, disappearing into the forest.
novice

Used to describe someone who is a beginner or new to a particular activity or profession. It's a more neutral term without negative connotations.

  • As a novice baker, she was proud of her first batch of cookies.
  • The class is designed for novices who want to learn the basics of photography.
greenhorn

Refers to someone new and inexperienced in a particular field or activity. Often used in a slightly negative or condescending tone.

  • He's just a greenhorn; he still has a lot to learn about trading.
  • The old sailors loved to tease the greenhorns on their first voyage.
rookie

Commonly used in sports and professional settings to describe someone in their first year or season. Can also apply to other contexts, like a job, where the person is new.

  • The team's rookie quarterback is already making a name for himself.
  • Even as a rookie, she showed a lot of promise on her first day at work.

Examples of usage

  • Don't be such a hare, you need to be more cautious in your decisions.
Context #3 | Verb

British informal

To go or run fast.

Synonyms

dash, race, sprint.

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Word Description / Examples
hare

Frequently used to describe someone moving quickly, with an element of surprise or urgency, evoking the speed of a hare.

  • She hared down the street to catch the bus
sprint

Refers to running at full speed for a short distance, often in sports or physical activities.

  • She sprinted to the finish line to win the race
dash

Typically used when referring to a short, swift movement or action, often implying a sense of hurry or urgency.

  • He dashed to the store to buy some milk before it closed
race

Used in competitive contexts to describe individuals or entities striving to be the fastest, often against others or the clock.

  • They raced to finish their projects before the deadline

Examples of usage

  • He hared off down the road as soon as he heard the news.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Nature

  • Hares are known for their strong hind legs, which allow them to leap up to 10 feet in one bound.
  • Unlike rabbits, hares are born with fur and open eyes, ready to run shortly after birth.

Folklore

  • In many cultures, hares are symbols of fertility due to their rapid reproduction rates.
  • The famous tale of the Tortoise and the Hare teaches that slow and steady can win the race, emphasizing determination over speed.

Pop Culture

  • Hares have appeared as characters in various childrenโ€™s stories, most notably in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' with the March Hare.
  • Hare-themed festivals celebrate this animal, especially during spring, linking it to renewal and growth.

Science

  • Studies show that hares can run at speeds up to 45 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest terrestrial animals.
  • Their keen sense of hearing helps them detect predators, allowing for quick escapes.

Origin of 'hare'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hare' comes from the Old English 'hara,' indicating its long history in the English language.
  • In various languages, the term for hare often shares roots with words related to speed and agility.

The word 'hare' has Old English origins, with related words in other Germanic languages. Hares have been featured in various mythologies and symbolisms throughout history, often associated with speed, fertility, and the moon. They are commonly found in folklore and fables, portrayed as clever and quick animals.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,962, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.