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Menagerie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฆ
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menagerie

[mษ™หˆnadส’ษ™ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

collection of animals

A menagerie is a collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition. The term can also refer to a varied mixture of things or a disorganized collection of people.

Synonyms

assortment, collection, variety.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
menagerie

Best used when referring to a diverse and often exotic group of animals kept for exhibition or a varied group of things that are a mix or hodgepodge.

  • The zoo features a menagerie of exotic animals from around the world
  • Her room was a menagerie of stuffed animals, posters, and trinkets from her travels
collection

Used when referring to a group of similar items gathered for study, display, or entertainment, often implying careful selection or organized grouping.

  • His collection of vintage cars is quite impressive
  • She has a collection of rare stamps from different countries
assortment

Appropriate when talking about a group of different items or choices, usually implying a random or varied selection.

  • The bakery offers an assortment of pastries and breads
  • She bought an assortment of colorful fabrics for her quilting project
variety

Effective when referring to a range or selection of different types or kinds within a group, emphasizing diversity.

  • The market offers a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables
  • They watched a variety of movies over the weekend

Examples of usage

  • The zoo had a diverse menagerie of animals from all over the world.
  • Her house was like a menagerie of different styles and eras.
Context #2 | Noun

chaotic or diverse group

A menagerie can also refer to a chaotic or diverse group of people or things, often with a sense of disorder or lack of organization.

Synonyms

assortment, mixture, variety.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
menagerie

Use this word when referring to a diverse collection of animals, typically in a controlled setting like a zoo. It can also be used metaphorically for an eclectic collection of items or people.

  • The circus's menagerie included lions, tigers, and elephants.
  • His room was a menagerie of various collectibles from around the world.
mixture

Use this word when referring to a combination of different elements blended together. It's often used in cooking, science, or any context where things are combined physically or conceptually.

  • The recipe calls for a mixture of flour, sugar, and eggs.
  • Their plan was a mixture of optimism and practicality.
assortment

This word is best used when describing a variety of items grouped together, often in a deliberate or organized manner. It is common in commercial settings.

  • The bakery offers an assortment of pastries every morning.
  • She received an assortment of gifts for her birthday.
variety

This word is suited for situations where diversity or a range of different items, characteristics, or types is emphasized. It implies a wider range than 'assortment'.

  • The garden has a variety of flowers blooming in different colors.
  • She enjoyed a variety of activities during her vacation.

Examples of usage

  • The conference was a menagerie of conflicting opinions and interests.
  • The street fair was a menagerie of different cultures and traditions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • Menageries became popular during the 18th century, showcasing exotic animals to the public as a form of entertainment.
  • Royal courts in Europe often maintained menageries to display power and wealth by possessing rare animals.

Cultural Significance

  • In literature and film, menageries symbolize the complexity of life and the diversity of existence, often representing a microcosm of society.
  • Menageries frequently appear in circus performances, beloved for combining entertainment with the exotic appeal of live animals.

Conservation

  • Today, many menageries and zoos focus on conservation efforts, educating the public about endangered species while providing a habitat.
  • Menageries can serve as a stepping stone in the conservation movement, highlighting the importance of protecting natural habitats for wildlife.

Modern Usage

  • In contemporary language, 'menagerie' can refer metaphorically to any diverse collection, such as a group of various objects or ideas.
  • The term is also used in the arts, particularly in music and theater, to describe a mix of styles or performances.

Origin of 'menagerie'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French term 'mรฉnagerie', which originally referred to a place where house pets were kept.
  • It evolved to mean a place with various animals, like zoos, reflecting cultural views on animal collection.

The word 'menagerie' originated in the 17th century from the French word 'mรฉnagerie', which meant 'a place where animals are kept'. It was commonly used to refer to collections of exotic animals kept by royalty or nobility for entertainment and display. Over time, the term expanded to include any collection of animals or a varied assortment of things. Today, 'menagerie' is often used figuratively to describe a diverse or disorderly group.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,326, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.