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Wolf Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wolf

[wสŠlf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

wild animal

A wolf is a wild carnivorous mammal of the dog family, living and hunting in packs. Wolves are known for their howling, sharp teeth, and hunting abilities.

Synonyms

beast, canine, predator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wolf

Use this when referring to the specific animal known for its strength, pack behavior, and often associated with wilderness. Suitable for both general and scientific contexts.

  • The wolf howled at the moon
  • Wolves typically hunt in packs
canine

This word is used in a more technical or scientific context to refer to animals in the dog family, including wolves, dogs, and others.

  • The canine species are known for their sharp teeth
  • Veterinarians specialize in the health of canines
predator

This term is used when emphasizing the hunting and feeding behavior of a wild animal. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a person who preys on others.

  • The lion is a formidable predator in the savanna
  • The financial world has its own predators
beast

This term is commonly used to describe a wild and ferocious animal, often in a more dramatic or metaphorical context. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The beast lunged at the intruder
  • In fairy tales, the hero often faces a terrible beast

Examples of usage

  • The wolf howled at the moon in the night.
  • Wolves communicate through a variety of vocalizations.
  • The pack of wolves hunted down their prey together.
Context #2 | Noun

fierce person

In human terms, a wolf can refer to a fierce or predatory person, especially in a competitive or aggressive context.

Synonyms

aggressor, predator, ruthless person.

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Word Description / Examples
wolf

As an animal, itโ€™s mainly used in wildlife context, but metaphorically it can describe someone cunning. Not always negative but cautionary.

  • Wolves travel in packs to hunt.
  • In negotiations, he is a wolf, always calculating and strategic.
predator

This word refers to animals that hunt other animals for food or can be metaphorically used to describe individuals who exploit others. It has a strong negative connotation when referring to people.

  • Lions are natural predators that hunt zebras and antelopes.
  • He was labeled a predator after exploiting vulnerable people for his own gain.
aggressor

This term describes someone who initiates conflict or attacks others. It is used in both personal and larger-scale contexts like war or disputes. It carries a negative connotation.

  • The aggressor pushed his way through the crowd, starting a fight.
  • In the war, the country was seen as the aggressor due to its unexpected invasion.
ruthless person

This phrase is used to describe someone who is very cruel or does not show compassion or pity. It is often used in contexts where someone's harsh or severe actions need to be highlighted. It has a very negative connotation.

  • The ruthless person did not care about the consequences of his actions on others.
  • She was known as a ruthless businesswoman, willing to do anything to succeed.

Examples of usage

  • He is a wolf in sheep's clothing, pretending to be nice but really ruthless.
  • The new manager is a wolf when it comes to closing deals.
Context #3 | Verb

act like a wolf

To wolf something is to devour it greedily or hungrily, like a wolf tearing into its prey.

Synonyms

consume quickly, devour, gobble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wolf

Typically used to describe eating something very quickly and greedily. It often has a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of manners or desperation.

  • He wolfed down his dinner and rushed back to work
devour

Usually used in a more intense context, often implying hunger or eagerness, and suggests eating something completely and with enthusiasm.

  • After the long hike, they devoured their meals as soon as they sat down
gobble

Often used in an informal or slightly humorous context, implying eating something very quickly and often noisily.

  • The kids gobbled up their Halloween candy in no time
consume quickly

Used in a neutral context to describe eating something in a short period of time. It does not carry a strong emotional or visual connotation.

  • He managed to consume the sandwich quickly before the meeting

Examples of usage

  • He wolfed down his food as if he hadn't eaten in days.
  • She wolfed through the pages of the book in one sitting.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In Native American cultures, the wolf symbolizes loyalty, family, and teamwork, often called the 'teacher' of the wilderness.
  • Various fairy tales, like 'Little Red Riding Hood' and 'The Three Little Pigs', feature wolves as cunning creatures, reflecting human fears.

Science

  • Wolves are social animals and live in family groups called packs, which can consist of a few to over a dozen individuals.
  • They primarily communicate through howling, which helps keep their pack connected over long distances.

Conservation

  • Wolves play a critical role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling prey populations.
  • Many conservation efforts focus on protecting wolf habitats and fostering coexistence with human interests.

Literature

  • Wolves appear in many myths and legends, often representing danger and wilderness, like in Roman mythology with the story of Romulus and Remus.
  • In literature, wolves are depicted in diverse ways, from fearsome adversaries to loyal companions.

Origin of 'wolf'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wolf' comes from the Old English word 'wulf', which has roots in Germanic languages.
  • In many languages, the word for wolf is similar, showing how important these animals are in different cultures.

The word 'wolf' has origins in Old English 'wulf', which is related to Dutch 'wolf' and German 'Wolf'. The wolf has been an important figure in folklore, mythology, and literature across many cultures, often symbolizing wilderness, cunning, and strength. Wolves have a complex social structure and have been both revered and feared by humans throughout history.

See also: wolves.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,028 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.