peacock - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
peacock Word Meanings
- a large bird known for its colorful tail
- a male peafowl
- a person who is overly proud or vain
peacock Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
peacock Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpiː.kɒk/
US
/ˈpi.kɑk/
peacock Word Etymology
Root: 'pea' + 'cock'. Origin: Latin 'pavonem' → Old French 'pavon' → English. Memory image: Imagine a vibrant bird strutting in a park, its colorful tail fanned out as it proudly displays its beauty, symbolizing vanity and pride.
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
Peacock is a noun with two common senses. It refers to the large bird known for its iridescent tail, typically the male peafowl; and, in a figurative sense, to a person who is vain or self-important. In everyday English you might hear 'The peacock strutted across the garden' or 'He acts like a peacock at every party.' The bird sense appears in nature writing and wildlife programs, while the metaphor shows up in magazines, blogs, and conversation about vanity. Useful collocations include peacock feather, peacock tail, and the idea of strutting or showing off in public.
Usage Reminders
- Notice that peacock is a noun only; do not use as an adjective. Use 'peacock' for the bird or the person who is vain. Collocations: peacock feather, peacock tail, strut like a peacock. The plural is peacocks. Avoid confusing with other birds in similar metaphors. When speaking literally, describe color and pattern; when figurative, describe behavior.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking peacock refers to a female bird (peahen) instead of the male peafowl.
- Assuming all bright birds are peacocks.
- Mistaking 'peacock' as an adjective describing color rather than a noun.
- Using 'peacock' to mean any showy person, rather than someone who is vain.
- Confusing 'peacock' with other showy animals or with the term 'parade' in coats of arms.
Thinking Differences
In English, the image of the peacock is a vivid, specific bird plus a clear idiom for vanity. Learners often miss the distinction between literal and metaphorical use or apply vanity ideas to nonhumans. English relies on fixed expressions like 'to strut' and 'peacock' as a noun, so misapplying to adjectives or other nouns is common.
Learning Tips
- Memorize the basic senses (bird; male; vanity) and two common phrases.
- Pair 'peacock' with physical nouns (feather, tail) for literal use.
- Notice the noun-only usage; avoid turning it into an adjective.
- Practice the metaphor with clear verbs like 'strut' or 'pose'.
- Learn a few native collocations and avoid overusing the term with people who are not vain.
- Read wildlife captions and social posts to see how vanity is expressed.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'peacock'?
A.A large, colorful bird known for its tail feathers.
B.A person's hairstyle that is very tall.
C.A style of dancing in India.
D.A type of garden vegetable.
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'peacock' correctly?
A.She decided to peacock her talents in front of the audience.
B.The peacock is known for its vibrant colors and impressive tail.
C.He will peacock a cake for the party.
D.To peacock is to jump over fences quickly.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'peacock'?
A.Parrot
B.Rooster
C.Bird
D.Feather
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'peacock'?
A.Bald
B.Mouse
C.Dove
D.Quiet
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where 'peacock' might be used?
A.Someone showcased their techniques in front of the crowd.
B.They decided to paint their house bright blue.
C.He admired the beautiful creature displaying its colors in the park.
D.She wore a dress that resembled the feathers of a bird.
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