Basic Details
Word: Predatory
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Describing animals that hunt and eat other animals; also describes someone who seeks to take advantage of others.
Synonyms: Hunting, carnivorous, predacious
Antonyms: Prey, docile
Idioms and Phrases
- Predatory behaviour: Actions that are aggressive and take advantage of others. Example: "His predatory behaviour in the business meeting made everyone feel uncomfortable."
- Fish in troubled waters: To take advantage of a difficult situation. Example: "She was like a shark, swimming in troubled waters, looking for ways to profit from the crisis."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The hawk is a predatory bird, soaring high above the trees in search of its next meal.
Example 2: Predatory lending practices can lead people into deep financial trouble.
Example 3: In nature, predatory animals play a crucial role in keeping the ecosystem balanced.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the term "predatory" comes from the Latin word "praedator," which means "plunderer"? This reflects the aggressive behaviour of animals that hunt other creatures for survival.
Famous Quote
"In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they're still beautiful. In the same way, predatory behaviour in the animal kingdom is a part of the balance of life." - Alice Walker
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "predatory" mean?
a) A friendly animal
b) Animals that hunt other animals
c) Animals that only eat plants
d) Animals that are common in cities
Answer: b) Animals that hunt other animals
2. Which of these is a synonym of "predatory"?
a) Peaceful
b) Carnivorous
c) Gentle
d) Submissive
Answer: b) Carnivorous
3. What is an antonym of "predatory"?
a) Aggressive
b) Docile
c) Ferocious
d) Fierce
Answer: b) Docile
4. Which sentence uses "predatory" correctly?
a) The predatory cat lounged lazily in the sun.
b) The predatory fish swam calmly along the shoreline.
c) The predatory bird swiftly captured its prey.
d) The predatory tree grew in the busy park.
Answer: c) The predatory bird swiftly captured its prey.
5. Which phrase relates to "predatory" behaviour?
a) A heart of gold
b) Fish in troubled waters
c) As cute as a button
d) Counting your blessings
Answer: b) Fish in troubled waters
