predatory
/ˈpredətri/ (bre, ipa) · [prˈɛdətˌɔri] /ˈpredətɔːri/ (ame, ipa) · [prˈɛdətˌɔri] /ˈpre-də-ˌtȯr-ē/ (ame, mw)
predatory — adjective
- predatorypositive
- more predatorycomparative
- most predatorysuperlative
1. describes an animal that hunts, kills, and feeds on other animals
describes an animal that hunts, kills, and feeds on other animals
Jiwoo watched a predatory hawk dive from the sky and snatch a lizard off the dry ground.
predatory + bird name: describing an animal that hunts prey
The ranger pointed to a predatory crocodile half-hidden in the muddy pool near the water's edge.
A predatory dragonfly perched on a reed, its huge eyes searching for smaller insects to eat.
Sirin heard rustling in the bush — a predatory lynx was creeping towards a hare near the rocks.
- carnivorous
broader term that includes animals eating dead flesh (scavengers), not only hunters
- predacious
technical term used mostly in biology; rarer in everyday English
- hunting
less formal and less precise; can describe sport or human activity, not limited to animal behaviour
- herbivorous
describes animals that eat only plants
用法筆記
Used mainly in biology, ecology, and nature writing. Not the usual word for describing a pet cat or dog chasing a toy.
2. describes a person or business that takes advantage of others, especially those
describes a person or business that takes advantage of others, especially those who are weaker, in order to gain money, power, or some other benefit
Selim refused to sign the predatory loan that charged forty percent interest each month.
collocation: predatory loan — an unfair lending agreement
The journalist exposed a predatory landlord who doubled rents after the flood ruined half the building.
Mateo's uncle warned him about predatory salespeople who push expensive deals on elderly customers.
The court fined the company millions for using predatory pricing to drive smaller shops out of business.
Nia looked up from her phone and whispered that her new boss was charming but predatory.
- exploitative
broader term for unfairly using someone's weakness; lacks the hunting imagery of predatory
- parasitic
implies living off a host without giving back; stronger than predatory in suggesting total dependence
- rapacious
formal term emphasising extreme greed and aggression; used for large-scale plunder
- opportunistic
describes taking advantage of situations as they arise, without the deliberate hunting implied by predatory
- benevolent
describes someone who acts kindly and seeks to help others rather than exploit them
- fair
treating everyone equally, the opposite of predatory business behaviour
用法筆記
Common in business and legal writing: predatory lending, predatory pricing, predatory takeover. The subject is typically a company, institution, or person in a position of power.
常見錯誤
3. behaving in a way that shows sexual interest too aggressively and obviously, mak
behaving in a way that shows sexual interest too aggressively and obviously, making other people feel unsafe or uncomfortable
Jessica felt uneasy when a predatory stranger at the bar kept staring and moving closer.
predatory stranger — describing someone who makes unwanted sexual advances
The club promised to ban anyone who made predatory comments or touched people without asking first.
Asher told his sister to avoid the senior manager whose predatory behaviour was well known around the office.
Kabir noticed a predatory look in the man's eyes and quickly guided his friend to a different table.
Benjamin warned the new staff about a predatory colleague who had been reported three times already.
- lecherous
old-fashioned word specifically about excessive sexual desire; often sounds literary or dated
- lascivious
formal and legal register; used in court documents and official reports about sexual misconduct
- respectful
showing proper regard for other people's boundaries and comfort
- appropriate
behaving in a way that is socially acceptable and not threatening
用法筆記
Always implies behaviour that is unwanted and threatening. Do not use this word simply to describe someone who is direct or confident about expressing romantic interest. Distinguish from sense 2 (EXPLOITING OTHERS), which is about money or power rather than sexual conduct.