See corresponding entry in Unabridged monster. Brute implies absence of ability to reason figuratively, it connotes savagery as well: a drunken brute. Beast refers to four-footed animals figuratively, it suggests a base, sensual nature: A glutton is a beast. Animal is the general word figuratively, it applies merely to the body or to animal-like characteristics: An athlete is a magnificent animal.

See corresponding entry in Unabridged Animal, beast, brute refer to sentient creatures as distinct from minerals and plants figuratively, they usually connote qualities and characteristics below the human level. an (an′ə mā ′lē ən, -māl ′yən), USA pronunciation adj.ic (an′ə mal ′ik), USA pronunciation an.to anim( a) air, breath + -ālis - al 1 English adjective, adjectival also directlyĪn Latin, noun, nominal derivative (with loss of final vowel and shortening of ā) of animāle, neuter of animālis living, animate, equivalent.pertaining to the physical, sensual, or carnal nature of humans, rather than their spiritual or intellectual nature: animal needs.Biologyof, pertaining to, or derived from animals: animal instincts animal fats.

thing: A perfect job? Is there any such animal?.

the physical, sensual, or carnal nature of human beings animality: the animal in every person.īrutish or beastlike person: She married an animal.

Biologya mammal, as opposed to a fish, bird, etc.

Biologyany such living thing other than a human being.

Biologyany member of the kingdom Animalia, comprising multicellular organisms that have a well-defined shape and usually limited growth, can move voluntarily, actively acquire food and digest it internally, and have sensory and nervous systems that allow them to respond rapidly to stimuli: some classification schemes also include protozoa and certain other single-celled eukaryotes that have motility and animallike nutritional modes.

Party animals synonyms