Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Creature Definition, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：non-human animal (creature)

creature 🔊

/ˈkriːtʃər/

an animal of any type, especially one that is not human.

Close-up of a lizard creature hiding under mossy rock in forest

non-human animal 🔊

➕

/ˈnɒn ˈhjuːmən ˈænɪml/

A living being that is not a human, such as a mammal, reptile, bird, or insect.

📁 Category：Animal Protection 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'creatura' (created thing), derived from 'creare' (to create).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'create' + 'ture' = something created. A creature is a created being—often an animal.

📖 Example

During our hike, we spotted a curious creature hiding under a rock-it was a small lizard with shiny scales. 🔊 During our hike, we spotted a curious creature hiding under a rock-it was a small lizard with shiny scales.

🔗 Collocations

wild creature – an animal that lives in nature without human control

creature comfort – a small luxury that makes life more pleasant, like soft pillows or warm food

creature of the deep – a marine animal living in deep ocean waters

🔄 Synonyms

animal (n) – a living organism that feeds on organic matter and has sense organs

beast (n) – a large or dangerous animal, especially a four-footed one

critter (n) – an informal term for a small animal or insect

🚫 Antonyms

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

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

mineral (n) – a naturally occurring inorganic substance, not a living being

🌱 Derivatives

creaturely (adj) – relating to or characteristic of a creature

creaturehood (n) – the state or condition of being a creature

creatureliness (n) – the quality of being a creature (often used in theological contexts)

📖 Cultural Story

Entered English through Old French 'creature' in the 13th century, originally referring to anything created by God. By the 16th century, it narrowed to living beings, especially animals.

Meaning 2：living being (creature)

creature 🔊

/ˈkriːtʃər/

any living being, including humans and animals.

living being 🔊

➕

/ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈbiːɪŋ/

Any organism that lives, including humans, animals, and sometimes imaginary beings.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Humans are social creatures who often feel lonely without friends or family around. 🔊 Humans are social creatures who often feel lonely without friends or family around.

🔗 Collocations

creature of habit – a person who prefers to do the same things at the same times every day

fellow creature – another living being, especially a human, considered as sharing the same nature

mythical creature – a legendary being like a dragon, unicorn, or mermaid

🔄 Synonyms

being (n) – a living thing that exists

organism (n) – an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form

entity (n) – something that exists as a particular and discrete unit

🚫 Antonyms

nonliving (adj) – not alive; inanimate

inanimate object (n) – a thing that is not alive, like a rock or a chair

spirit (n) – a non-physical being, often considered the opposite of a physical creature

🌱 Derivatives

creatureliness (n) – the state of being a creature, emphasizing human limitations

creaturely (adj) – pertaining to a creature; having the nature of a creature