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Wilderness: meaning, definitions and examples

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wilderness

 

[ˈwɪl.də.nɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in nature

An uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region. Wilderness areas are typically untouched by human activity and can include forests, deserts, mountains, and other natural landscapes.

Synonyms

backcountry, bush, wilds.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wilderness

Wilderness refers to a large, natural area that is unaffected by human activity. It's often used in a broad, formal sense, especially in legal or conservation contexts.

  • The park is known for its pristine wilderness.
  • Conservationists are fighting to protect the wilderness from logging.
wilds

Wilds refers to remote, untamed, and often unknown areas. It has a somewhat poetic or adventurous connotation and can suggest a place that is harsh and difficult to survive in.

  • They sought adventure in the wilds of Alaska.
  • Surviving in the wilds requires knowledge and preparation.
backcountry

Backcountry describes remote and often rugged areas far from populated places. It's commonly used in outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and camping.

  • They enjoyed a week-long hike through the backcountry.
  • Backcountry skiing requires specialized equipment and skills.
bush

Bush is mainly used in Australian and African contexts to describe wild, undeveloped land covered with dense vegetation. It can sometimes imply a harsh, challenging environment.

  • They went on a safari deep into the African bush.
  • Living in the Australian bush can be quite isolated.

Examples of usage

  • The hikers got lost in the wilderness and had to rely on their survival skills.
  • The wilderness is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative

A state or condition of chaos, disorder, or confusion. Wilderness can also refer to a period of time when one feels lost or unsure.

Synonyms

confusion, disarray, turmoil.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wilderness

Used to describe a natural, undeveloped area of land, often with trees, plants, and animals, away from human habitation.

  • They spent two weeks hiking and camping in the wilderness, enjoying the beauty of untouched nature
confusion

Used when people or situations are difficult to understand, leading to a lack of clarity or uncertainty.

  • The sudden change in plans caused a lot of confusion among the team members
disarray

Used when something is in a state of disorder or mess, often physically or organizationally, and things are not where they should be.

  • After the party, the living room was in complete disarray with cups and plates scattered everywhere
turmoil

Used to describe a situation of great disturbance, disorder, or uncertainty, especially with emotional or political implications.

  • The country has been in turmoil for years, with constant protests and political instability

Examples of usage

  • After the company's bankruptcy, the employees found themselves in a wilderness of uncertainty.
  • She felt like she was wandering through a wilderness of emotions after the breakup.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'wildor' meaning 'wild beast' and 'nes' meaning 'condition' or 'state'.
  • In Middle English, it was spelled 'wildrenesse', showing how it evolved over time to include more general wild areas, not just those inhabited by beasts.

Literature

  • Henry David Thoreau wrote about the importance of wilderness in his book 'Walden', emphasizing nature's value for personal reflection.
  • John Muir, a naturalist, often captured the beauty of wilderness in his writings, and he played a crucial role in the conservation movement.

Cultural Significance

  • Many Indigenous cultures view wilderness as sacred, emphasizing its importance for spiritual practices and traditional lifestyles.
  • Wilderness areas are often featured in films and art, symbolizing freedom, adventure, and the exploration of the unknown.

Environmental Studies

  • Wilderness areas are critical for biodiversity, providing habitats for countless species that might not survive in altered environments.
  • Protected wilderness regions help combat climate change by acting as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Into the Wild' highlight personal journeys of discovery and the transformative power of spending time in nature.
  • Books such as 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed detail adventures in wilderness and the emotional healing one can find in solitude.

Translations

Translations of the word "wilderness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 selva

🇮🇳 जंगली इलाका

🇩🇪 Wildnis

🇮🇩 hutan belantara

🇺🇦 пустеля

🇵🇱 dzicz

🇯🇵 荒野 (こうや)

🇫🇷 nature sauvage

🇪🇸 desierto

🇹🇷 vahşi doğa

🇰🇷 황야 (hwangya)

🇸🇦 برية

🇨🇿 divočina

🇸🇰 divočina

🇨🇳 荒野 (huāngyě)

🇸🇮 divjina

🇮🇸 óbyggðir

🇰🇿 жабайы табиғат

🇬🇪 ველური ბუნება

🇦🇿 vəhşi təbiət

🇲🇽 desierto

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,241 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.