Word
predatory
Phoneticspreda·to·ry
US/ˈpɹɛdəˌtɔɹi/
UK/pɹˈɛdətəɹˌi/
Definitions
01animals hunting for food
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Technical
adj. describes animals that live by killing and eating other animals.
adj. relating to or characterized by the practice of preying on other organisms for food.
“The eagle is a predatory bird that hunts small mammals from the sky.”
“The introduction of predatory species into the isolated island ecosystem led to a rapid decline in the native flightless bird population.”
Synonyms
02looking like a hunter
C2 · Proficiency Literary
adj. having a look or manner that suggests you are looking for something to attack or take.
adj. suggestive of a predator in appearance or manner; often used to describe a facial expression or gaze.
“He watched the other players with a predatory smile, waiting for them to make a mistake.”
“There was something predatory in the way the investor surveyed the struggling startup, as if he were measuring it for a hostile takeover.”
Synonyms
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; can describe both biological traits and metaphorical human behaviors.
Real-World Examples
“Sentenced in 2003 for a predatory sexual assault against a 10-year-old boy, involving luring the child into a vehicle and driving to a secluded area.” “Our prime minister has handed Australian screens over to predatory gambling companies.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin praedātōrius, equivalent to predator + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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