Troglodyte: meaning, definitions and examples
๐๏ธ
troglodyte
[ trษษกlษdaษชt ]
historical, anthropology
A troglodyte refers to a member of a prehistoric people who lived in caves, often associated with primitive lifestyles. The term can also be used more broadly to describe someone who is regarded as deliberately ignorant or old-fashioned. In modern slang, it can denote a person who prefers to live in seclusion, often away from modern society. The word carries connotations of both physical dwelling and cultural mindset.
Synonyms
cave dweller, hermit, primitive, recluse.
Examples of usage
- The troglodytes of ancient times left fascinating artifacts.
- He chose the life of a troglodyte, retreating to the mountains.
- Critics called the writer a troglodyte for not embracing modern ideas.
Translations
Translations of the word "troglodyte" in other languages:
๐ต๐น troglodita
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคซเคผเคพ เคฎเคพเคจเคต
๐ฉ๐ช Troglodyt
๐ฎ๐ฉ troglodyte
๐บ๐ฆ ััะพะณะปะพะดะธั
๐ต๐ฑ troglodyta
๐ฏ๐ต ใใญใฐใญใใคใ
๐ซ๐ท troglodyte
๐ช๐ธ troglodita
๐น๐ท troglodit
๐ฐ๐ท ํธ๋ก๊ธ๋ก๋ค์ดํธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุฑูุบููุฏูุช
๐จ๐ฟ troglodyt
๐ธ๐ฐ troglodyta
๐จ๐ณ ็ฉดๅฑ ไบบ
๐ธ๐ฎ troglodit
๐ฎ๐ธ troglรณdรญt
๐ฐ๐ฟ ััะพาะปะพะดะธั
๐ฌ๐ช แขแ แแแแแแแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ troglodit
๐ฒ๐ฝ troglodita
Etymology
The word 'troglodyte' originates from the Greek 'troglodytes', which comes from 'trogle', meaning 'hole' or 'cave', combined with 'dyein', meaning 'to enter'. This term was historically used to describe various cave-dwelling peoples in ancient narratives and classical literature. In geological and anthropological studies, troglodytes often referred to prehistoric humans who utilized caves for housing, safety, and storage. Over time, the term has evolved into a pejorative in modern usage, applying to individuals perceived as out of touch with contemporary advancements or living a hermit-like existence. This evolution reflects both the anthropological roots and the commentary on social behaviors in modern culture, highlighting the juxtaposition between development and regression.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #39,603, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
- ...
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- 39602 forswearing
- 39603 troglodyte
- 39604 demobilizing
- 39605 cannonaded
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- ...