How Do You Spell FERAL?

Pronunciation: [fˈɛɹə͡l] (IPA)

The word "feral" is spelled with an "e" after the letter "r" in order to indicate the pronunciation of the word's first syllable. Using IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /ˈfɛrəl/, with the stressed vowel sound being /ɛ/. This is different from the word "ferret", which has a different stressed syllable and is pronounced /ˈfɛrɪt/. "Feral" is commonly used to refer to animals that have reverted to a wild state, or behavior that is untamed or savage.

FERAL Meaning and Definition

  1. Feral, derived from the Latin word "ferus" meaning "wild," is an adjective that refers to something or someone that has reverted to a wild or untamed state, typically as a result of living in the wild away from human contact or control. It describes an animal that was once domesticated but has escaped or been abandoned and now exhibits savage or uncontrolled behavior similar to its non-domesticated counterparts. It can also be used to describe a human who has been raised or has lived in the wild and lacks the typical attributes or behaviors associated with civilized society.

    In the case of animals, a feral creature may exhibit heightened aggression, fear, and skittishness towards humans, as it has not been accustomed to human interaction or has consciously chosen to avoid them. These characteristics are often observed in feral cats, dogs, or horses. Additionally, feral plants are those that have been introduced to a new environment and have escaped cultivation, adapting and thriving in the wild without human intervention.

    The term "feral" can also extend to describe elements of society that appear wild or untamed, lacking the restraints and order associated with civilized settings. For example, a feral city may be characterized by lawlessness, violence, and a lack of infrastructure or governance. Feral behavior in humans can also manifest as behaving recklessly, impulsively, or violently, often disregarding societal norms and expectations.

    Overall, "feral" pertains to a state of wildness or untamed nature, whether it be in reference to animals, plants, or even aspects of human behavior or society.

  2. Wild, savage, deadly, malignant.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for FERAL

Etymology of FERAL

The word "feral" originates from the Latin term "ferālis", which is derived from the Latin word "ferus", meaning "wild" or "untamed". In Latin, "ferālis" was primarily used to refer to things associated with death or funeral rites. Over time, the word evolved to also describe animals that had returned to a wild or untamed state, hence its modern usage to describe wild animals that have grown up without human contact or domestication.

Similar spelling words for FERAL

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