creature

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a strange, scary, or mysterious living thing from a story or movie.

n. an imaginary, mysterious, or monstrous being, often appearing in folklore or science fiction.

“The movie was about a giant creature that lived at the bottom of the lake.”

“The myth describes a terrifying creature with the head of a lion and the wings of an eagle.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Literary

n. a person, often used when you feel pity for them or when you think they are unpleasant.

n. a human being, often qualified by an adjective to express pity, contempt, or a specific character trait.

“The poor creature had nowhere to go in the freezing rain.”

“He was a strange, lonely creature who rarely spoke to his neighbours and never left his house during the day.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal · Literary

n. someone who is controlled by or depends on a more powerful person.

n. a person who is entirely subservient to or dependent upon another, often used in political or formal contexts.

“The dictator surrounded himself with loyal creatures who never questioned his orders.”

“The minister was seen as a mere creature of the crown, lacking any independent political will or personal authority.”