A donkey is a hardworking animal often associated with stubbornness, and the word can also describe a foolish or obstinate person.
واژه در 30 ثانیه
- Domesticated animal of the horse family, used for carrying loads.
- Known for long ears, braying sound, and perceived stubbornness.
- Can informally refer to a foolish or obstinate person.
Overview
The word 'donkey' refers to a domesticated animal (scientific name: Equus asinus) belonging to the horse family. Donkeys are generally smaller than horses, characterized by their long ears, a distinctive 'braying' sound, and a reputation for being sturdy and sure-footed. Historically, they have been invaluable to humans, particularly in agricultural societies and developing regions, serving as beasts of burden for carrying goods, plowing fields, and providing transport. Their resilience and ability to thrive in harsh environments have made them indispensable work animals across many cultures.
The primary usage of 'donkey' is to refer to the animal itself. However, the word also carries a figurative meaning, often used informally to describe a person. When someone is called a 'donkey,' it typically implies they are foolish, stupid, or, more commonly, extremely stubborn. This figurative use is usually derogatory or playfully critical. The animal's perceived stubbornness, though often a misinterpretation of its cautious nature, has led to this extended meaning. It's important to understand the context to differentiate between the literal and figurative uses.
Literally, 'donkey' appears in contexts related to farming, rural life, transportation in mountainous or challenging terrains, and children's stories or fables where animals play central roles. You might hear of 'donkey rides' at tourist attractions or 'donkey carts' in some parts of the world. Figuratively, it's common in informal conversations or expressions when someone is being particularly obstinate ('Don't be such a donkey!') or has made a silly mistake. It also features in idioms like 'donkey's years' (a very long time) and 'donkey work' (hard, tedious labor).
While 'donkey' is straightforward, it's often compared to related animals. A 'mule' is a hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse; mules are known for being sterile, strong, and even more stubborn than donkeys. A 'horse' is a different species, generally larger, faster, and used for riding, racing, or heavier farm work. The word 'ass' is a direct synonym for 'donkey' but can be considered offensive in modern English due to its association with a vulgar term for buttocks. 'Burro' is another synonym, often used in Spanish-speaking regions and sometimes in English to refer to a small donkey.
نکات کاربردی
The word 'donkey' is generally neutral in register when referring to the animal. Its informal use to describe a foolish or stubborn person is common but can be mildly derogatory. Using 'ass' as a synonym for the animal is technically correct but often avoided in modern English due to its other vulgar connotations.
اشتباهات رایج
A common mistake is confusing a donkey with a mule, which is a hybrid. Another error is using 'ass' interchangeably with 'donkey' in all contexts, as 'ass' can be considered offensive. Misinterpreting the figurative meaning of 'donkey' for a person as always negative, rather than sometimes playfully critical, can also occur.
راهنمای حفظ
Imagine a 'donkey' carrying a heavy 'load' – it's a 'load' of work, just like a 'donkey' does. This helps remember its hardworking nature.
ریشه کلمه
The word 'donkey' is of uncertain origin, first recorded in 1784. It may be a diminutive of 'dun' (referring to its brownish-grey color) combined with a suffix like '-key', or possibly from a proper name.
بافت فرهنگی
Donkeys hold significant cultural importance, often symbolizing humility, patience, and resilience. They appear in numerous fables, folklore, and religious texts (e.g., the Nativity story). In many parts of the world, they remain crucial for livelihoods, embodying hard work and endurance.
مثالها
The children loved taking a ride on the friendly donkey at the petting zoo.
everydayThe children loved taking a ride on the friendly donkey at the petting zoo.
Historically, the donkey has played an indispensable role in the development of agricultural societies across arid regions.
formalHistorically, the donkey has played an indispensable role in the development of agricultural societies across arid regions.
He's such a donkey sometimes, always forgetting his keys!
informalHe's such a donkey sometimes, always forgetting his keys!
Comparative studies often highlight the donkey's superior adaptability to harsh environments compared to other equids.
academicComparative studies often highlight the donkey's superior adaptability to harsh environments compared to other equids.
خانواده کلمه
ترکیبهای رایج
عبارات رایج
donkey's years
a very long time
donkey work
hard, tedious, or boring work
stubborn as a donkey
extremely obstinate
اغلب اشتباه گرفته میشود با
A mule is a hybrid animal, the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. Donkeys are a distinct species. Mules are generally larger and stronger than donkeys.
A horse is a different species of equid, typically larger, faster, and with shorter ears than a donkey. Horses are often used for riding, racing, and heavier draft work.
الگوهای دستوری
Understand Dual Meanings
Remember that 'donkey' can refer to the animal or, informally, to a stubborn or foolish person. Context is key to understanding which meaning is intended.
Use 'Ass' with Caution
While 'ass' is a synonym for donkey, it can be considered rude or vulgar in many English-speaking contexts due to its other common informal meaning. Stick to 'donkey' to be safe.
Symbol of Humility and Work
In many cultures, donkeys symbolize humility, patience, and hard work. They are often featured in fables and religious texts as loyal and enduring creatures.
خودت رو بسنج
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
The farmer relied on his strong ___ to carry the heavy baskets up the hill.
A donkey is a common animal used for carrying heavy loads in farming or rural areas.
Choose the best meaning for 'donkey' in the following sentence.
Oh, don't be such a donkey! Just admit you made a mistake.
In this informal context, 'donkey' is used figuratively to describe someone who is being foolish or obstinate.
Form a grammatically correct sentence using the word 'donkey' and the given words.
Words: the, a, stubborn, was, donkey, as
The phrase 'as stubborn as a mule' is a common idiom, and 'The donkey was as stubborn as a mule' is a grammatically correct sentence using 'donkey' in a comparative sense.
🎉 امتیاز: /3
سوالات متداول
4 سوالDonkeys are primarily used as working animals, especially for carrying burdens, pulling carts, and plowing fields. Their strength and endurance make them valuable in agriculture and transportation, particularly in challenging terrains.
A donkey is a distinct species (Equus asinus), while a mule is a hybrid animal, the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. Mules are typically larger and stronger than donkeys, but are generally sterile.
Yes, 'ass' is an older and more formal synonym for 'donkey'. However, in modern English, 'ass' is often avoided in casual conversation due to its informal and potentially offensive meaning referring to buttocks or a foolish person.
Donkeys are often perceived as stubborn because they are very cautious and will stop if they sense danger or an overload. This caution is sometimes misinterpreted as obstinacy, but it's actually a self-preservation instinct rather than defiance.
Summary
A donkey is a hardworking animal often associated with stubbornness, and the word can also describe a foolish or obstinate person.
- Domesticated animal of the horse family, used for carrying loads.
- Known for long ears, braying sound, and perceived stubbornness.
- Can informally refer to a foolish or obstinate person.
Understand Dual Meanings
Remember that 'donkey' can refer to the animal or, informally, to a stubborn or foolish person. Context is key to understanding which meaning is intended.
Use 'Ass' with Caution
While 'ass' is a synonym for donkey, it can be considered rude or vulgar in many English-speaking contexts due to its other common informal meaning. Stick to 'donkey' to be safe.
Symbol of Humility and Work
In many cultures, donkeys symbolize humility, patience, and hard work. They are often featured in fables and religious texts as loyal and enduring creatures.
مثالها
4 از 4The children loved taking a ride on the friendly donkey at the petting zoo.
The children loved taking a ride on the friendly donkey at the petting zoo.
Historically, the donkey has played an indispensable role in the development of agricultural societies across arid regions.
Historically, the donkey has played an indispensable role in the development of agricultural societies across arid regions.
He's such a donkey sometimes, always forgetting his keys!
He's such a donkey sometimes, always forgetting his keys!
Comparative studies often highlight the donkey's superior adaptability to harsh environments compared to other equids.
Comparative studies often highlight the donkey's superior adaptability to harsh environments compared to other equids.
