Wolf: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

As an animal, it’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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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