Vulpine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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vulpine
[ˈvʌl.paɪn ]
Definition
characteristics of foxes
Vulpine refers to characteristics or qualities that are associated with foxes. It can describe the cunning, clever, or crafty behavior generally attributed to these animals.
Synonyms
cunning, deceptive, sly, wily.
Examples of usage
- His vulpine nature made him an excellent negotiator.
- The vulpine features of the painting captured the essence of the fox.
- She moved with a vulpine grace that was both alluring and deceptive.
Translations
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Origin of 'vulpine'
The word 'vulpine' originates from the Latin word 'vulpinus', which is derived from 'vulpes', meaning 'fox'. The Latin term reflects the characteristics associated with foxes in various cultures, where they are often seen as symbols of craftiness and intelligence. The adoption of 'vulpine' into the English language can be traced back to the 15th century, where it began to be used to describe not only the physical traits of foxes but also their behavioral attributes. Over time, 'vulpine' has come to encompass more metaphorical meanings within literature and conversation, representing individuals or actions that exhibit slyness or cunning intelligence similar to that of a fox.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,203, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.