swine

/swaɪn/ (bre, ipa) · [swˈaɪn] /swaɪn/ (ame, ipa) · [swˈaɪn] /ˈswīn How to pronounce swine (audio)/ (ame, mw)

swine — noun

  • swinesingular
  • swinesplural

1. pigs considered as a group, especially in farming, veterinary, or other formal c

1.名詞C1
釋義

pigs considered as a group, especially in farming, veterinary, or other formal contexts

例句

The farmer keeps swine in long sheds behind the hill.

pattern: keep swine in farming contexts

Wild swine dug through the wet field after last night's rain.

同義詞
  • pig

    the normal everyday word for the animal

  • hog

    often suggests a larger pig, especially in American English or farming use

  • boar

    specifically an adult male pig

  • sow

    specifically an adult female pig

文法句型

raise swine

wild swine

one swine / two swine

用法筆記

This word is more formal and technical than pig and often appears in farming, veterinary, and official writing. The singular and plural are usually the same: one swine, two swine.

常見錯誤

❌The farmer owns many swines.
✅The farmer owns many swine.
💡the usual plural form stays swine, not swines.
❌We saw some swine at the petting zoo.
✅We saw some pigs at the petting zoo.
💡in everyday conversation, pig is usually the more natural word.

2. a harsh insulting word for someone whose behavior seems cruel, vile, or morally

2.名詞C2
釋義

a harsh insulting word for someone whose behavior seems cruel, vile, or morally disgusting

例句

"You swine!" Nora shouted after Victor tore up her letters.

direct address: you swine

After hearing the lie, Amani said her ex was a complete swine.

同義詞
  • brute

    focuses on cruel or violent behavior

  • monster

    stronger and suggests shocking cruelty

  • scumbag

    a more modern and cruder insult

  • beast

    can sound literary or old-fashioned, especially for immoral behavior

文法句型

be a swine

call someone a swine

you swine

用法筆記

This sense sounds stronger, older, and more dramatic than rude or nasty. It usually appears in angry speech, fiction, or theatrical complaints rather than calm everyday conversation.

常見錯誤

❌The waiter forgot my water, so he is a swine.
✅The waiter was rude.
💡swine is reserved for behavior seen as seriously cruel or disgusting, not a small mistake.