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Pawed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pawed

[pɔːd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

animal behavior

The term 'pawed' refers to the action of an animal, typically a four-legged creature, using its paw to touch, scratch, or swipe at something. This behavior is common in many animals, especially cats and dogs, who may paw at objects, surfaces, or people as a form of communication, play, or exploration. When a pet paws at you, it can indicate affection or a desire for attention. Additionally, in a broader sense, 'pawed' can describe the way animals interact with their environment, showcasing their natural instincts.

Synonyms

scratched, swiped, touched.

Examples of usage

  • The cat pawed at the feather toy with excitement.
  • The dog pawed the ground, signaling it wanted to play.
  • She laughed as her kitten pawed at the curtain.
  • The bear pawed the dirt in search of food.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Cats use their paws to explore their environment, often tapping at objects to investigate them.
  • Dogs paw at their owners to get attention or express affection, showcasing their social nature.
  • Many animals use their paws to communicate or play, revealing their playful instincts.

Art & Culture

  • Pawed animal illustrations often symbolize playfulness or mischief in children's books and cartoons.
  • In art, animals pawing at the ground can depict concern or curiosity, adding emotion to the artwork.
  • Folk tales often feature animals that use their paws to help humans, emphasizing themes of friendship.

Literature

  • Pawed characters in literature can often convey innocence or a playful spirit, especially in stories for children.
  • Classic stories, like 'The Tale of Tom Kitten,' illustrate how animals use their paws in humorous or adventurous ways.
  • Animal protagonists often use their paws to overcome obstacles, highlighting cleverness and determination.

Psychology

  • Research shows that watching animals use their paws in play can evoke feelings of happiness and relaxation in humans.
  • Interactions with pets that paw at us can increase feelings of affection and companionship, contributing to emotional well-being.
  • Using paws in therapy animals helps people connect emotionally, showcasing the power of simple gestures.

Origin of 'pawed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'paw' comes from the Old English 'pāw,' which means 'foot' of an animal.
  • In many languages, the words for animal feet are similar, indicating a common need to describe these important parts of animals.
  • The verb form 'pawed' suggests a repeated action, like how animals often scratch or play with their paws.

The word 'pawed' is derived from 'paw', which has its origins in the Old English word 'pāwe', meaning 'a clawed foot of an animal'. This term can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*pawō', which is linked to similar words in other Germanic languages, including Dutch 'poot' and German 'Pfote'. The evolution of the term reflects the physical characteristics of animals that possess pawed limbs, typically used for walking, hunting, and various forms of interaction with their environment. With time, 'paw' and its variations have entered colloquial language, signifying not just the physical appendage but also the behaviors associated with it, especially in domesticated pets.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,113 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.