animal — meaning in English: animal

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for animal

provide

animal

product

walk

Skip this question

🎓

Learn English for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 'animal' when discussing wildlife, pets, or in educational contexts, such as biology classes. It's also frequently used in everyday conversations about nature, animal welfare, and even in phrases like 'animal instincts' to describe certain behaviors.

Synonyms & nuances

'Creature' is a close synonym of 'animal,' but it often carries a more poetic or whimsical connotation. While 'animal' is used broadly to include all living organisms in the kingdom Animalia, 'creature' might be specifically used in contexts related to emotional connections, such as referring to pets or mythical beings.

Culture

The word 'animal' comes from the Latin word 'animalis,' which means 'having breath' or 'living being.' Historically, animals have played a crucial role in human culture, from ancient hunting practices to modern-day conservation efforts. Interestingly, many idiomatic expressions involving animals, like 'the elephant in the room,' reflect cultural insights about human behavior.

FAQ

Q.What is the definition of 'animal'?

'Animal' refers to a living organism that belongs to the kingdom Animalia, characterized by voluntary movement and responsive behavior. It encompasses a vast range of species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.

Q.How do you use 'animal' in a sentence?

You can use 'animal' in various contexts, for example: 'The animal in the zoo fascinated the children' or 'She has a deep love for all animals, especially dogs.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word 'animal'?

A common mistake is using 'animal' incorrectly as a plural noun. For instance, saying 'These are animals' is correct, but a learner might mistakenly say 'These is animal.' Always ensure to match your verb with the subject's number.

Learn english with Maspeak →

English 1000