Basic Details
Word: Neanderthal
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An extinct species or subspecies of archaic humans who lived in Eurasia until about 40,000 years ago. It is also used informally to refer to someone considered uncultured or unintelligent.
Synonyms: Caveman, primitive human, archaic human
Antonyms: Modern human, Homo sapiens, civilized person
Idioms and Phrases
- Acting like a Neanderthal: Used to describe someone behaving in a crude, aggressive, or uncultured way. Example: "Don't shout at the waiter like that - you're acting like a Neanderthal!"
- Neanderthal thinking: Refers to outdated, narrow-minded, or sexist thinking. Example: "That kind of Neanderthal thinking has no place in the modern workplace."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Scientists believe that Neanderthals used tools and even buried their dead.
Example 2: Calling someone a Neanderthal is often an insult implying they are old-fashioned or uncivilized.
Example 3: The museum had a fascinating exhibit on Neanderthal life and their interaction with early humans.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Neanderthals shared up to 2% of their DNA with modern humans? This suggests that early humans and Neanderthals interbred thousands of years ago.
Famous Quote
"Neanderthals are not just part of our evolutionary past - they are part of us." - Svante Pbo (Nobel Prize-winning geneticist)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What is a Neanderthal?
a) A kind of plant
b) A prehistoric human species
c) A type of modern bird
d) A mountain range
Answer: b) A prehistoric human species
2. Which of the following is a synonym for "Neanderthal"?
a) Genius
b) Caveman
c) Robot
d) Professor
Answer: b) Caveman
3. Which is an antonym of "Neanderthal"?
a) Archaic
b) Modern human
c) Primitive
d) Crude
Answer: b) Modern human
4. Which sentence uses "Neanderthal" correctly?
a) The Neanderthal sang at the opera.
b) He called his rude coworker a Neanderthal after the argument.
c) She adopted a Neanderthal from the shelter.
d) They flew a Neanderthal across the ocean.
Answer: b) He called his rude coworker a Neanderthal after the argument.
5. What does the idiom "Neanderthal thinking" imply?
a) Logical and scientific reasoning
b) Outdated and narrow-minded beliefs
c) A desire to learn about evolution
d) Fear of ancient species
Answer: b) Outdated and narrow-minded beliefs
