Basic Details
Word: Opossum
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A nocturnal marsupial native to the Americas, known for its ability to "play dead" as a defense mechanism.
Synonyms: Marsupial, possum (colloquial), scavenger
Antonyms: Predator, herbivore (contextual), daytime animal
Idioms and Phrases
- Play possum: To pretend to be asleep, unaware, or dead in order to avoid something. Example: "He played possum during the argument so he wouldn't get involved."
- Dead as a opossum: Used humorously to emphasize stillness or inactivity. Example: "After the hike, I was lying on the couch as dead as a opossum."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The opossum curled up in the corner of the backyard, pretending to be dead when it felt threatened.
Example 2: Opossums are often seen at night scavenging for food in trash cans or near wooded areas.
Example 3: When scared, an opossum may hiss or show its teeth, but it's generally harmless to humans.
Fun Fact
Did you know that opossums are the only marsupials found in North America? When threatened, they can enter a catatonic state that mimics death-a behavior called "playing possum."
Famous Quote
"Even the opossum knows when to play dead. It's survival, not surrender." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What is an opossum?
a) A type of bird
b) A nocturnal marsupial
c) A reptile
d) A large cat
Answer: b) A nocturnal marsupial
2. What does "play possum" mean?
a) To play with an animal
b) To pretend to be asleep or dead
c) To climb trees
d) To make loud noises
Answer: b) To pretend to be asleep or dead
3. Which of these is a synonym of "opossum"?
a) Tiger
b) Marsupial
c) Dog
d) Rodent
Answer: b) Marsupial
4. Which sentence uses "opossum" correctly?
a) The opossum flew over the house.
b) I saw an opossum hunting a deer.
c) An opossum was hiding behind the garbage bin at night.
d) The opossum barked all night.
Answer: c) An opossum was hiding behind the garbage bin at night.
5. What makes opossums unique in North America?
a) They are the largest animals
b) They are the only native marsupials
c) They are always aggressive
d) They are reptiles
Answer: b) They are the only native marsupials
