predatory — Seeking to exploit or oppress others for personal gain, often through unfair or aggressive practices.
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: Seeking to exploit or oppress others for personal gain, often through unfair or aggressive practices.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈprɛdətɔːri/
Example Sentences
- The predatory shark circled the swimmers silently, waiting for the perfect moment.
- My landlord raised the rent so aggressively, I started calling him 'the Predator of Apartment 5B'.
- Regulators cracked down on predatory lenders charging 300% interest rates.
predatory
ADJECTIVE[/ˈprɛdətɔːri/]
Seeking to exploit or oppress others for personal gain, often through unfair or aggressive practices.
The predatory hawk dives at the rabbit hiding in the tall grass.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This word derives from Latin praedari, meaning 'to plunder or prey upon,' which itself originates from praeda, meaning 'food, prey, or booty.' The semantic range has expanded from the literal act of seizing prey to encompass both predatory animal behavior and exploitative conduct by individuals or corporations.
Breakdown
praeda (prey, booty) + -ari (verb infinitive suffix) + -ory (adjective suffix denoting 'characterized by' or 'relating to'), forming an adjective describing creatures or entities that hunt, exploit, or profit at the expense of others.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The predatory shark circled the swimmers silently, waiting for the perfect moment.”
“My landlord raised the rent so aggressively, I started calling him 'the Predator of Apartment 5B'.”
“Regulators cracked down on predatory lenders charging 300% interest rates.”
“The cat gave my hamster a predatory stare, and honestly, I feared for the hamster's future.”
“Civil service exams frequently test vocabulary related to predatory business practices like monopolies.”
📚Related Words
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