Antelope
Pronunciation
/ˈæntəˌloʊp/
Definitions
- Noun: A swift, herbivorous mammal of the family Bovidae, typically characterized by its graceful body, long legs, and horns, commonly found in Africa and parts of Asia.
- Noun: Any of various species of animals in the genus Antelope, including gazelles, impalas, and springboks.
- Figurative: A person or thing that moves quickly and gracefully, similar to the swift and graceful movement of an antelope.
Usage Examples
- "The antelope gracefully leaped across the savanna, evading the predator."
- "The runner, swift and agile like an antelope, broke the world record."
- "In the wild, antelopes are often seen grazing in herds on the grassy plains."
Etymology
The word "antelope" comes from the Middle French "antilope," which in turn came from the Latin "antelops," meaning "a type of animal with horns," possibly from Greek "ἀντίλοπος" (antilopos). The name has been used since the early 14th century to describe the herbivorous mammals with curved, pointed horns.
Synonyms
- Gazelle
- Springbok
- Impala
- Gnu
- Antilope (in European languages)
Antonyms
- Lion
- Predator
- Tiger
- Cheetah
Translations
Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
Arabic |
ظبي (Dhaby) |
/ðɑːbi/ |
Chinese (Simplified) |
羚羊 (Língyáng) |
/lɪ́ŋjɑ́ŋ/ |
French |
Antilope |
/ɑ̃.ti.lɔp/ |
German |
Antilope |
/ˈɑːntɪloːpə/ |
Spanish |
Antílope |
/anˈtílope/ |
Russian |
Антилопа (Antilopa) |
/æntɪˈloʊpə/ |
Japanese |
ガゼル (Gazeru) |
/ɡaːzeɾɯ/ |
Indian Language Translations
Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
Hindi |
निलगाय (Nilgai) |
/nɪlɡaːɪ/ |
Gujarati |
જહાજનો ઘોડો (Jahajno ghodo) |
/d͡ʒɑːhɑːd͡ʒnoː ɡʰoːɖoː/ |
Kannada |
ನಿಲ್ಗಾಯಿ (Nilgayi) |
/nɪlɡaːɪ/ |
Marathi |
निलगाय (Nilgai) |
/nɪlɡaːɪ/ |
Punjabi |
ਨਿਲਗਾਏ (Nilgāe) |
/nɪlɡɑːe/ |
Telugu |
నీలగాయి (Neelagayi) |
/nɪːlɡaːjɪ/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In American English: /ˈæntəˌloʊp/
- In British English: /ˈæntəˌloʊp/
- In Australian English: /ˈæntəˌloʊp/
Historical Usage
The term "antelope" has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times to describe a type of graceful herbivorous mammal. The name became widely recognized in European languages during the Renaissance when European explorers began encountering different species of these animals in Africa and Asia. Historically, antelopes were symbols of grace, speed, and agility, often featured in art and literature.
Cultural Nuances
Antelopes have a significant place in many African and Asian cultures, where they are often regarded as symbols of agility and elegance. In African cultures, the antelope is often associated with spiritual symbolism and has been featured in various traditional ceremonies. In Indian culture, the Nilgai (blue bull) is considered sacred by certain communities and plays a role in mythology and folklore.
More Information
Antelopes are members of the Bovidae family, which includes other ruminants like cows and goats. Known for their slender, elegant bodies, they are mostly found in Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe. With over 90 species, they vary greatly in size, behavior, and habitat preferences. Most antelopes are adapted to life in the open savannas, grasslands, and deserts, where their speed and agility help them escape predators. Many species also migrate over vast distances in search of food and water.