Animal Meaning: What Is an Animal?

Meaning 1：living creature (animal)

animal 🔊

/ˈæn.ɪ.məl/

A living creature that is not a plant or a human.

Lion and giraffe at zoo illustrating animal meaning

living creature 🔊

➕

/ˈlɪv.ɪŋ ˈkriː.tʃər/

Any living organism that is not a plant, typically capable of moving and sensing, and belonging to the kingdom Animalia.

📁 Category：Animal Protection 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derived from Latin "anima" (soul, breath) + suffix -al, meaning "having life".

💡 Mnemonic

Think of "anima" (soul) – an animal is a living creature with a soul.

📖 Example

At the zoo, my little sister got so excited to see her favorite animal, the giant panda, eating bamboo. 🔊 At the zoo, my little sister got so excited to see her favorite animal, the giant panda, eating bamboo.

🔗 Collocations

wild animal – An animal that lives in nature and is not tamed

domestic animal – An animal kept by humans for companionship or work

animal instinct – The natural, unlearned behavior of an animal

🔄 Synonyms

creature (n.) – Any living being, especially an animal

beast (n.) – A large or dangerous animal

critter (n.) – A small animal, used informally

🚫 Antonyms

plant (n.) – A living organism that is not an animal

human (n.) – A person, as opposed to an animal

🌱 Derivatives

animalistic (adj.) – Relating to animal-like qualities

animality (n.) – The state of being an animal

animalcule (n.) – A microscopic animal

📖 Cultural Story

The word "animal" comes from Latin "animalis" meaning "having breath or soul", reflecting the ancient belief that animals, like humans, possess a vital spirit.