omnivores - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
omnivores Word Meanings
- an animal or person that eats both plants and animals
- a creature with a diverse diet including meat and vegetables
omnivores Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
omnivores Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɒmnɪvɔː/
US
/ˈɑmnɪvɔr/
omnivores Word Etymology
(omni- + vorare) - from Latin 'omnis' meaning all + 'vorare' meaning to devour. - Imagine a large, friendly bear who enjoys picking fruits from trees and catching fish in the river, embodying the essence of an omnivore.
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
An omnivore is a word used for people or animals that eat both plants and animals. In biology, it often describes species without a strict herbivore or carnivore diet, such as humans, bears, pigs, and raccoons. Omnivores rely on a flexible diet that helps them adapt to different environments, seasons, and resource availability. The term also appears in nutrition and anthropology, highlighting how cultures incorporate diverse food sources. Remember that being omnivorous does not imply moral judgment or lack of preference; it simply means the diet includes a range of plant and animal foods. Etymology: omni means all and vorare means to devour in Latin.
Usage Reminders
- Use as a noun. Distinguish from herbivore and carnivore. Refer to animals or people. Emphasize dietary flexibility. Often appears in ecology and nutrition contexts.
Common Misconceptions
- Omnivore means it eats everything without discrimination.
- Only animals can be omnivores.
- Humans cannot be true omnivores due to ethics or health concerns.
- Omnivore implies a random or unhealthy diet.
- All plants eaten by omnivores are nonfunctional foods.
Thinking Differences
In English, people often picture omnivores as flexible eaters but not as eating anything; learners should note the contrast with herbivores and carnivores and remember cultural associations with meat and vegetables in mixes.
Learning Tips
- Create a flashcard pair for omnivore and its opposite terms.
- Compare animal examples vs human examples in sentences.
- Note the nuance of diet flexibility vs eating anything.
- Practice using omnivore in nutrition and ecology contexts.
- Listen for pronunciation: om-nih-vore, stress on 'ni'.
- Read multiple-genre sentences to solidify usage.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App