carnivore - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
carnivore Word Meanings
- an animal that eats meat
- a person who eats a lot of meat
- anything that consumes other organisms
carnivore Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
- A lion is a carnivore.
- Carnivores eat meat.
- Dogs are also carnivores.
- A shark is a big carnivore.
- Many birds are carnivores too.
carnivore Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈkɑːnɪvɔː/
US
/ˈkɑrnɪˌvɔr/
carnivore Word Etymology
(a) 'carn-' (flesh) + '-vore' (to eat); (b) Middle English via Latin 'carnivorus' from 'carnis' (flesh) + 'vorare' (to devour); (c) Imagine a fierce lion devouring its prey, symbolizing the primal instinct of eating flesh.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Carnivore is a term used in biology to describe an animal that primarily eats meat. It covers apex predators like lions, wolves, and eagles, as well as smaller meat-eaters such as weasels. In everyday language, people often use carnivore to refer to someone who eats a lot of meat, though that metaphor is informal and sometimes humorous. The word comes from Latin carn-, flesh, and vor-, eat, and entered English through Middle English from Latin carnivorus. Understanding its literal sense helps learners distinguish it from omnivore or herbivore and to recognize its figurative use in pop culture or food-writing.
Usage Reminders
- Use carnivore for animals that mainly eat meat
- In everyday speech, it can describe a person who loves meat, but it is humorous
- Distinguish carnivore from omnivore and herbivore in both science and everyday language
- Carnivorous is the related adjective; carnivory is the noun form for the practice
- Some animals are facultative carnivores and will eat non-meat foods if available
- In formal writing prefer precise biological terms over casual slang
Common Misconceptions
- Carnivore = only humans.
- All meat-eaters are carnivores.
- Carnivore and carnivorous can always be used interchangeably.
- Carnivore means someone who never eats plants.
- The term is always negative or aggressive in tone.
Thinking Differences
English learners tend to treat carnivore as a strict biological category plus a casual meat-eater metaphor; be careful with nuance and context.
Learning Tips
- Study the literal vs. metaphorical uses with examples
- Compare with omnivore and herbivore side-by-side
- Learn related forms: carnivorous, carnivory
- Practice with science texts and food-writing
- Pronounce CAR-ni-vore clearly and stress the first syllable
- Make flashcards linking carnivore to common predators
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'carnivore' mean?
A.An animal that primarily eats meat
B.An animal that primarily eats plants
C.An animal that consumes everything
D.An animal that stores food
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of the word 'carnivore' in a sentence.
A.The carnivore of the garden was full of vegetables.
B.Lions are known as fierce carnivores.
C.A carnivore can survive without food for weeks.
D.The carnivore sunrise was beautiful.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'carnivore'?
A.Omnivore
B.Frugivore
C.Herbivore
D.Animal
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'carnivore'?
A.Predator
B.Mammal
C.Herbivore
D.Prey
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where 'carnivore' is applicable?
A.Cats might hunt birds in the wild.
B.A rabbit is often hunted by this type of animal.
C.Some animals eat both plants and meat.
D.Vegetarians prefer dishes without any meat.
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