creature
/ˈkriːtʃə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkriːtʃər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkrē-chər/ (ame, mw)
creature — noun
- creaturesingular
- creaturesplural
1. any being that moves on its own, for instance an animal, insect, or fish, unlike
any being that moves on its own, for instance an animal, insect, or fish, unlike a plant
The lake was home to many small creatures, including frogs and turtles.
All living creatures need food and water to survive.
collective reference: all living creatures
Tariro watched a tiny green creature crawl across the kitchen floor.
The forest floor is full of creatures that come out only at night.
Yuna gently picked up the creature and placed it back in the pond.
- animal
more specific; usually excludes humans, insects, and sea life
- living thing
broader; includes plants but less common in everyday speech
- being
more formal; can include imaginary or spiritual entities
- plant
plants cannot move independently
常見錯誤
2. an imaginary or unusual being from stories, myths, or films — like a monster, al
an imaginary or unusual being from stories, myths, or films — like a monster, alien, or dragon
The film tells the story of a strange creature that lives in the ocean.
adjective + creature + that-clause for description
Legends tell of a creature with a lion's head and a snake's body.
Henrik drew a picture of a winged creature with three eyes.
The children believed a friendly creature lived under their bed.
In the story, the creature turns into a handsome prince at midnight.
- monster
usually dangerous or frightening; more specific than creature
- beast
suggests a large, wild, or fierce animal; often used in fantasy
- mythical being
explicitly states the creature comes from mythology
用法筆記
Only sense that covers both imaginary (dragons, aliens) and real-but-unusual life forms (unknown deep-sea animals). Often appears in fiction, folklore, and speculative genres.
常見錯誤
3. a person described in a way that shows the speaker's feelings, such as pity, aff
a person described in a way that shows the speaker's feelings, such as pity, affection, or disapproval
The poor creature had nowhere to sleep on that cold winter night.
emotive adjective: poor creature (expressing pity)
Anjali is a gentle creature who would never hurt anyone.
Ignacio felt sorry for the lonely old creature living next door.
What a sweet little creature your granddaughter is, with those bright eyes.
Rafael described his boss as a strange creature who rarely spoke.
文法句型
[adjective] + creature
用法筆記
Almost never used neutrally — always paired with an adjective or phrase that conveys the speaker's attitude (poor, lovely, strange, gentle, sweet, lonely). Without such a modifier the sentence sounds incomplete or odd.
常見錯誤
4. a person or organisation that is completely controlled by another and acts only
a person or organisation that is completely controlled by another and acts only according to their wishes
After years in prison, he had become a creature of the system.
collocation: creature of [institution]
The director was a mere creature of the party, doing whatever he was told.
Aaron refused to be a creature of the company, so he started his own firm.
The general's advisors were creatures who obeyed his every command.
Leo saw himself as a creature of habit, eating the same breakfast every morning.
- master
someone with control over others
- independent person
someone who makes their own choices
文法句型
creature + of + [institution/system/concept]
用法筆記
Frequently appears in the fixed phrase 'creature of habit' (someone who likes routine). The controlling entity is typically an institution, system, or abstract concept (state, party, habit, routine) rather than an individual person.