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Wilderness: meaning, definitions and examples

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wilderness

 

[ ˈwɪl.də.nɪs ]

Noun
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

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

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.

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

Etymology

The word 'wilderness' originated from the Old English word 'wilddeoren' which referred to wild beasts or wild deer. Over time, it evolved to encompass the concept of wild, uninhabited land. The idea of wilderness has been romanticized in literature and art, symbolizing freedom, adventure, and the untamed beauty of nature.

See also: wild, wildcat, wildlife, wildly, wildness, wilds.

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.