Litter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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litter
[ˈlɪtər ]
Definitions
environment
Waste material that is thrown away, especially in public places. Litter can include items such as bottles, cans, wrappers, and other trash.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| litter |
Usually refers to small pieces of waste that people leave on the ground in public places, particularly in streets and parks.
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| trash |
Another term used mainly in American English to describe general waste or discarded material. It is sometimes used interchangeably with 'garbage', but can also include non-food items.
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| garbage |
Commonly used in the United States to describe household waste, especially food waste.
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| rubbish |
This term is predominantly used in British English to describe waste material, similar to 'garbage' in American English.
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Examples of usage
- Please do not litter in the park.
- The beach was covered in litter after the holiday weekend.
animals
A group of young animals born to the same mother at the same time. It can refer to a group of puppies, kittens, piglets, or other baby animals.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| litter |
This term is commonly used to refer to a group of young animals, especially those born at the same time to the same mother, such as puppies or kittens.
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| offspring |
This term is more scientific and formal, suitable for describing the young of both animals and humans. It is often used in contexts that require a neutral or academic tone.
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| young |
This word is often used to describe juvenile animals of any species in a general sense. It is less formal and can be used in everyday conversation.
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| brood |
This word is often used for a group of young birds hatched at the same time, or more generally, a family of offspring. It can sometimes have a slightly negative or serious connotation when referring to human families.
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Examples of usage
- The litter of puppies played in the yard.
- The cat had a litter of five kittens.
making a mess
To scatter objects in an untidy or careless way. It can refer to throwing trash or other items around without proper disposal.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| litter |
Used when referring to small items or trash that are carelessly thrown around, often in a public space. It has a negative connotation.
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| scatter |
Used when things or people are spread out in different directions, often without a clear pattern.
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| disperse |
Used to describe the act of spreading things or people over a wide area, often in an orderly or natural way.
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| strew |
Used when objects are spread out on a surface, often in a careless or random manner. It can carry a slightly negative connotation depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- He tends to litter his room with clothes and books.
- Please do not litter the streets with your waste.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Environmental Impact
- Litter contributes to pollution, harming the environment and wildlife. Animals may ingest it, mistaking it for food.
- Studies show that areas with more litter experience increased crime rates, as litter can lead to a sense of neglect in a community.
- Cleaning up litter can lead to improved mental health for individuals and promote a sense of community pride.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures have varying views on litter. In many developed countries, littering is seen as disrespectful and is often accompanied by fines.
- In some areas, creative art installations have turned litter into something beautiful, raising awareness about waste issues.
- Community clean-up events have become popular worldwide, emphasizing collective responsibility for local environments.
Historical Instances
- The concept of 'litter' has been around since urban areas began developing, with waste management practices evolving over centuries.
- The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive area of litter found in the ocean, showcasing the long-term impact of neglecting waste disposal.
- In the 1960s, anti-litter campaigns began to rise significantly in response to growing concerns about pollution and environmental health.
Public Awareness Campaigns
- Famous campaigns like 'Keep America Beautiful' encouraged citizens to take responsibility for their litter since its launch in the 1950s.
- Educational programs in schools teach children about the importance of keeping their surroundings clean and the effects of litter.
- Global events like World Cleanup Day mobilize millions of volunteers to address litter issues, emphasizing teamwork and communal efforts.
Science of Waste
- Plastic, a common component of litter, can take hundreds of years to decompose, significantly affecting ecosystems.
- Research indicates that some types of litter can leach harmful chemicals into soil and water, potentially harming human health and wildlife.
- Microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic from litter, have been found in foods and drinking water, raising concerns about their impact on health.
Origin of 'litter'
The word 'litter' originated from Middle English, where it referred to bedding for animals. Over time, it evolved to include the concept of waste material thrown in public spaces. The verb form of 'litter' developed from the idea of scattering objects in a disorderly manner. Today, 'litter' is commonly associated with environmental pollution and the care of young animals.