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Snake Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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snake

[sneษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

reptile

A long limbless reptile which has no eyelids, a short tail, and jaws that are capable of considerable extension. Some snakes have a venomous bite.

Synonyms

cobra, serpent, viper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snake

General term for a long, legless reptile. Can be used in both casual and formal conversations to refer to these animals in a broad sense.

  • I saw a snake in the garden
  • There are many species of snakes in the world
serpent

Usually used in literature or mythology to describe snakes, often with a mystical or ominous connotation. It can imply something sneaky or evil.

  • The ancient legend speaks of a mighty serpent
  • The serpent in the story symbolizes temptation and danger
cobra

Specific type of snake known for its hood and is often mentioned in contexts related to danger or exotic animals.

  • The cobra raised its hood when it felt threatened
  • Cobras are commonly found in India
viper

Specific type of venomous snake. Often used in contexts related to danger, toxicity, or sometimes metaphorically to describe a person with harmful intentions.

  • The viper's bite can be very dangerous
  • He was a viper, betraying anyone who trusted him

Examples of usage

  • The snake slithered silently through the grass.
  • Watch out for snakes while hiking in the forest.
Context #2 | Noun

deceptive person

A person who is treacherous or deceitful.

Synonyms

backstabber, deceiver, traitor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snake

Use 'snake' to describe someone who is very deceitful and untrustworthy, often in a very sneaky or slimy way.

  • People were shocked to discover he was a snake, betraying his best friends for money
traitor

Use 'traitor' to describe someone who betrays their country, cause, or a person who trusted them. This term is often used in a political or military context, but can also apply to personal relationships.

  • He was labeled a traitor after he leaked confidential information to the enemy
backstabber

Use 'backstabber' to describe someone who betrays others, especially friends or colleagues, behind their back. This word implies a sense of betrayal in a close relationship.

  • She called him a backstabber after he spread rumors about her to get the promotion
deceiver

Use 'deceiver' to describe someone who lies or tricks others, often causing them to believe something that is not true.

  • The so-called friend turned out to be a deceiver, taking advantage of their trust

Examples of usage

  • Beware of that snake, he cannot be trusted.
  • She's a snake in the grass, pretending to be your friend.
Context #3 | Verb

move like a snake

To move or extend in a winding or twisting way.

Synonyms

curve, meander, wind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snake

Used to describe something that moves in a winding or serpentine manner, often used figuratively or literally to describe the motion. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to a deceitful person.

  • The river snaked through the valley.
  • He snaked his way through the crowd.
  • Watch out for him; he's a real snake.
wind

Describes movement in a twisting or turning manner, similar to 'snake,' and is often used in a physical context like roads, paths, or even threads.

  • The road winds up the mountain.
  • She wound the thread around the spool.
  • The hiking trail winds through the forest.
curve

Used to describe a smooth, continuous bending line without angles. It's often used in geometry, physical movements, or design.

  • The road curves gently to the left.
  • She drew a perfect curve on the paper.
  • Athletes need to know how to navigate the curves on the track.
meander

Often used to describe a winding or indirect path, especially rivers. It can also describe a leisurely, aimless walk or journey.

  • The river meanders through the countryside.
  • We spent the afternoon meandering around the old town.
  • His speech meandered and lacked focus.

Examples of usage

  • The river snakes through the valley.
  • The vines snaked their way up the tree trunk.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, snakes are symbols of transformation and healing, often representing rebirth, as they shed their skin.
  • The snake appears prominently in religious texts, such as the Biblical tale of Adam and Eve, where it represents temptation and moral conflict.

Science

  • Snakes are ectothermic, meaning they rely on the environment to regulate their body temperature, often basking in the sun to warm up.
  • There are over 3,000 species of snakes, with the smallest being the Barbados threadsnake, measuring just 10 centimeters long, and the largest being the green anaconda, which can exceed 30 feet.

Psychology

  • Many humans have an instinctive fear of snakes, known as ophidiophobia, which may stem from evolutionary survival instincts.
  • Studies show that the fear of snakes can be heightened by media portrayals, often emphasizing their dangerous qualities more than their ecological roles.

Art and Literature

  • Snakes have been a popular motif in art for centuries, symbolizing various concepts from wisdom to danger, as seen in works across cultures like the 'Caduceus' and Ouroboros.
  • In literature, snakes often embody themes of duality, such as in the story of the 'Jungle Book,' portraying both danger and wisdom through the character of Kaa.

Origin of 'snake'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'snake' comes from the Old English 'sneac,' which is related to the Proto-Germanic word 'snakaz,' meaning to crawl.
  • In Latin, the term 'serpens' means snake, which is the root for many scientific names relating to these reptiles.

The word 'snake' originated from Old English 'snaca', which is also related to Old Norse 'snakr' and German 'Schlange'. The snake has been a symbol of evil and temptation in many cultures due to its association with the biblical story of Adam and Eve. However, snakes are also revered in some cultures as symbols of fertility, healing, and transformation.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,262 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.