Reptilian: meaning, definitions and examples

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reptilian

[rɛpˈtɪlɪən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

animal

Relating to or characteristic of reptiles. Resembling a reptile.

Synonyms

lizard-like, reptile-like, serpentine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reptilian	Use in a general sense to describe characteristics typical of reptiles. It can also have a negative connotation when describing someone as cold, calculating, or unfeeling, similar to how some people perceive reptiles. The ancient creature had a distinct reptilian appearance. His reptilian gaze made everyone feel uneasy.
reptile-like	Used similarly to 'reptilian,' it describes something that has characteristics of reptiles. This term can be used in both neutral and negative contexts, but it is less common than 'reptilian'. His skin had a strange, reptile-like quality under the dim light. The creature's reptile-like eyes seemed to watch every move.
lizard-like	Best used when specifically comparing someone or something to a lizard, especially when referring to physical traits such as scales or movement. The rock had a rough, lizard-like texture. She moved with a lizard-like agility, darting quickly between obstacles.
serpentine	Best used to describe something that resembles or moves like a snake, often referring to shape or movement. It can also suggest something sneaky or devious. The road wound in a serpentine manner through the hills. There was something serpentine about his smile that made her uneasy.

Examples of usage

The museum had a display of various reptilian species.
The creature had a reptilian appearance with scales and a long tail.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

informal, negative connotation

Cold-blooded, treacherous, or deceitful.

Synonyms

cold-blooded, deceitful, treacherous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reptilian	Used to describe something that has the characteristics or appearance of reptiles, often implying something cold or emotionless. The CEO's reptilian stare made everyone in the room uncomfortable. The creature had a reptilian texture to its skin.
cold-blooded	Used to describe someone or something that is cruel, without emotion, or unfeeling. Often has a negative connotation. His cold-blooded actions shocked the entire community. She looked at him with a cold-blooded gaze, showing no remorse.
treacherous	Used to describe someone who betrays trust or is dangerous and unstable. This term has a negative connotation. The spy undertook a treacherous mission behind enemy lines. She considered her colleague's actions to be treacherous and unforgivable.
deceitful	Used to describe someone who is intentionally misleading or lying. This word has a negative connotation. He was a deceitful man, always trying to manipulate others to get what he wanted. Her deceitful behavior caused her to lose many friends.

Examples of usage

He gave her a reptilian smile, full of hidden motives.
The politician's actions were described as reptilian by his critics.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'reptilian' comes from the Latin 'reptilis', meaning 'creeping or crawling'.
In the 16th century, it started to be used in the English language to describe animals like snakes and lizards.

Biology

Reptiles are characterized by their scaly skin, which helps them retain moisture.
They are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature.
Famous examples of reptiles include turtles, crocodiles, and iguanas.

Pop Culture

In movies and TV, 'reptilian' often refers to fictional aliens or creatures that resemble reptiles, suggesting they are cunning or dangerous.
The concept of reptilian humanoids has been popularized by conspiracy theories, suggesting that these beings secretly control the world.

Psychology

The idea of a 'reptilian brain' refers to the most primitive part of our brain, which controls survival instincts like aggression and dominance.
Some theories suggest humans have innate fears or aggression toward reptiles due to evolutionary traits.

Literature

Reptilian characters often symbolize evil or trickery in various mythologies and folklore around the world.
The dragon, a well-known reptilian creature, appears in many cultures, symbolizing power and wisdom but also chaos.

Translations

Translations of the word "reptilian" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reptiliano

🇮🇳 सरीसृप

🇩🇪 reptilisch

🇮🇩 reptil

🇺🇦 рептилія

🇵🇱 gad

🇯🇵 爬虫類の

🇫🇷 reptilien

🇪🇸 reptil

🇹🇷 sürüngen

🇰🇷 파충류의

🇸🇦 زاحف

🇨🇿 plaz

🇸🇰 plaz

🇨🇳 爬虫类的

🇸🇮 plazilec

🇮🇸 skriðdýr

🇰🇿 бауырымен жорғалаушы

🇬🇪 რეპტილია

🇦🇿 sürünən

🇲🇽 reptil

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,619, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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26616 redrawn
26617 exploiters
26618 wrappings
26619 reptilian
26620 topically
26621 hurtling
26622 fisted
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