Savage: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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savage

 

[ หˆsรฆvษชdส’ ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

wild behavior

Fierce, violent, and uncontrolled in behavior or emotions.

Synonyms

barbaric, brutal, ferocious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
savage

Use this word to describe something or someone as wild, untamed, or extremely violent.

  • The animal was acting in a savage manner, attacking anything that came close
ferocious

This word is used for intense, fierce, or extremely aggressive behavior, often with the implication of great power.

  • The tiger gave a ferocious roar that echoed through the jungle
barbaric

This word is used to describe actions or behaviors that are extremely cruel, uncivilized, or lacking any kind of sophistication.

  • The punishment was considered barbaric by modern standards
brutal

This word often describes forceful, aggressive behavior that causes physical harm or pain, or an unpleasant situation.

  • The football game turned brutal after the referee's controversial decision

Examples of usage

  • The savage beast attacked anything that came near.
  • His savage temper often got him into trouble.
Context #2 | Noun

person

A person belonging to a primitive tribe or group.

Synonyms

barbarian, native, tribesman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
savage

Use this word to describe someone or something that is extremely brutal or violent. This word carries a strong negative connotation and might be considered offensive.

  • The movie portrayed the invaders as savages, attacking without mercy.
  • His actions were so savage that they shocked everyone.
barbarian

This word is used to describe a person who is perceived as uncivilized or primitive, often from a historical perspective. It also carries a negative connotation and might be offensive if used to describe people in a modern context.

  • The Romans considered the Germanic tribes to be barbarians.
  • He acted like a complete barbarian at the dinner party.
native

This term is generally used to refer to the original inhabitants of a place. It is neutral but can become sensitive depending on the context. It's crucial to use it respectfully.

  • The native people of this region have a rich cultural history.
  • She is a native speaker of Spanish.
tribesman

This word is used to describe a male member of a tribe. It is neutral but specific to the context of traditional tribal societies.

  • The tribesman welcomed us into their community.
  • He is a respected tribesman among his people.

Examples of usage

  • The savages lived in the jungle and had little contact with the outside world.
  • The explorer encountered a tribe of savages during his expedition.

Translations

Translations of the word "savage" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น selvagem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเค‚เค—เคฒเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช wild

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ liar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะธะบะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dziki

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้‡Ž็”Ÿ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sauvage

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ salvaje

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท vahลŸi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•ผ์ƒ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูˆุญุดูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ divokรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ divokรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้‡Ž่›ฎ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ divji

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ villtur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐะฑะฐะนั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ•แƒ”แƒšแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vษ™hลŸi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ salvaje

Etymology

The word 'savage' originated from the Middle French word 'sauvage', which meant 'wild' or 'unspoiled'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe wild or untamed behavior. Over time, the word has evolved to also describe something brutal or fierce. In modern usage, 'savage' can be both positive (as in 'savage beauty') and negative (as in 'savage attack').

See also: savagely, savagery.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,661 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.