Ravened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฆ
ravened
[หrรฆv.ษnd ]
Definition
literary usage
The term 'ravened' is a poetic or literary form of the verb 'rave', which means to speak or write wildly or incoherently. It often implies a state of frenzy or overwhelming emotion. In some contexts, it suggests consuming or devouring something with great eagerness or intensity. The word can also convey loss of reason or control, as in a ravenous desire or madness. This term is less commonly used in modern English and may be found in older literary texts.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He ravened through the forest, searching for food.
- The winds ravened against the shattered cliffs.
- She ravened with rage as the truth unfolded.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Edgar Allan Poeโs poem 'The Raven' features the bird symbolizing dark omens and sorrow, linking its name to themes of despair.
- In the works of ancient poets and storytellers, ravens often appeared as symbols of death or foreboding, emphasizing their connection to narratives of loss and hunger.
- Shakespeare referenced ravens in several plays, using them to convey ominous feelings or actions, enhancing the dramatic tension in his works.
Psychology
- The concept of ravening often symbolizes uncontrollable desires or primal instincts, connecting to behaviors observed in hunger or aggression.
- Studies of animal behavior have shown that certain species exhibit ravenous feeding patterns, which can be linked to survival instincts.
- Ravening can also be used metaphorically in psychology to describe people who consume information or experiences voraciously, akin to a 'ravenous appetite' for knowledge.
Cultural References
- In folklore across various cultures, ravens are frequently depicted as messengers between the living world and the afterlife, alluding to their scavenging nature.
- In some Native American legends, ravens are credited with creation stories, where they take on roles of tricksters or clever beings that feast on chaos.
- The representation of the raven in modern media often maintains its dark connotations, appearing in horror genres or as a symbol of mystery and the unknown.
Nature
- Ravens are known for their intelligence, often using complex problem-solving skills, which can make their feeding habits appear ravenous and strategic.
- These birds are scavengers by nature, finding food in various environments, which can be described as ravened when they consume it quickly and greedily.
- The ecosystem benefits from ravenous scavenging, as it helps in cleaning up dead animals, thus playing an essential role in nutrient cycling.
Origin of 'ravened'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from 'raven', which refers to the dark bird known for its scavenging habits.
- The Old English term 'hrรฆfn' transformed into 'raven' as the language evolved.
- The use of 'ravened' reflects a more intense or aggressive version of consuming something than the base verb 'to ravage'.
The word 'ravened' originates from the root word 'raven', which is derived from Old English 'hrรฆfen', referring to the large black bird known for its scavenging habits. In a metaphorical sense, 'raven' has evolved to describe a voracious or insatiable appetite, drawing parallels between the behavior of the raven and human emotions or desires. The transformation from the noun 'raven' to the verb 'to rave' encapsulates the intense and often chaotic nature associated with both the bird's feeding habits and human passions. The literary usages of 'ravened' reflect this rich history, often evoking imagery of wild consumption or frenzied expression in texts from centuries past.