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A1 noun #40 よく出る 11分で読める

predator

上位40

At the A1 level, you should know that a predator is an animal that eats other animals. Think of big animals like lions, tigers, and sharks. These are predators. They are the 'hunters'. You can use this word when you talk about nature or animals. For example, 'A lion is a predator.' It is a simple noun. You don't need to worry about the difficult meanings yet. Just remember: Predator = Hunter animal. Prey = The animal that is eaten. This word helps you describe the world of animals and how they live. It is a good word to use when you go to the zoo or watch a simple video about nature. You might also see it in very simple stories about animals. Always remember that a predator is usually strong and fast.

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'predator' to describe more animals and their roles. You understand that a predator must hunt to survive. You can use it in sentences like, 'The cat is a small predator that hunts mice.' You also learn that some birds, like eagles, are predators. You might begin to see the word used in simple warnings, like 'Watch out for predators in the water.' At this level, you should be able to distinguish between a predator and an herbivore (an animal that only eats plants). You are building a basic vocabulary for the natural world, and 'predator' is a key part of that. You are also learning that predators are an important part of how nature stays healthy.

At the B1 level, you can use 'predator' in more complex ways. You understand the 'predator-prey relationship' and how it affects the environment. You can talk about 'natural predators' and how they help control the number of other animals. For example, 'If there are no natural predators, the deer population will grow too large.' You also start to see the word used for people, but in a very clear and simple way. You might hear about 'online predators' in a safety lesson. You understand that this means someone who is looking to hurt or trick others. You can use the word in discussions about the environment, safety, and basic social issues. Your sentences are becoming longer and more detailed.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'predator' in both biological and metaphorical contexts. You can use terms like 'apex predator' to describe animals at the top of the food chain. You also understand the economic use of the word, such as 'corporate predator' or 'predatory lending.' You can participate in debates about whether certain business practices are 'predatory.' You understand the nuance that being a predator involves a power imbalance. You can use the word to describe complex social behaviors and legal situations. Your vocabulary is sophisticated enough to use the adjective 'predatory' correctly in various contexts, such as 'predatory pricing' or 'predatory behavior.' You can read news articles that use this word and understand the underlying tone.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word 'predator' and its various connotations. You can use it in academic writing about ecology, sociology, or law. You understand the subtle difference between a predator and a scavenger or a parasite. You can analyze how the word is used in literature or film to create a sense of fear or respect. You are aware of the legal definitions of 'sexual predator' and how these labels impact society. You can use the word rhetorically to make a strong point in a speech or essay. You understand the etymology of the word and how its Latin roots influence its modern usage. You can switch between the literal and metaphorical meanings of the word with ease and precision.

At the C2 level, you use the word 'predator' with the skill of a native speaker. You understand its most subtle uses in high-level discourse. You can discuss the 'predatory nature' of certain political systems or philosophical concepts. You are familiar with the word's use in specialized fields like evolutionary psychology or advanced macroeconomics. You can use the word in creative writing to evoke specific imagery or themes. You understand how the word 'predator' has evolved over time and how its meaning continues to shift in the digital age. You can identify and critique the use of the word as a 'label' in social justice contexts. Your mastery of the word allows you to use it in any context, from a scientific paper to a poetic description, with perfect accuracy and impact.

練習する例文メモとヒント

predator 30秒で

A predator is an organism that hunts, kills, and eats other living things to survive in nature.
The word can also describe people or companies that aggressively exploit others for personal or financial gain.
In biology, predators are essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems and controlling prey populations.
Common examples include lions, sharks, and eagles, while metaphorical examples include corporate raiders and scammers.

The word predator is a fundamental term in biology that describes an organism that survives by hunting and consuming other organisms. In the natural world, this relationship is the engine of evolution, driving the development of speed, camouflage, and intelligence. When we speak of a predator, we are often referring to iconic animals like the Great White Shark, the Siberian Tiger, or the Peregrine Falcon. These creatures possess specialized biological tools—claws, teeth, or incredible eyesight—designed specifically for the capture of prey. However, the utility of the word extends far beyond the animal kingdom. In modern English, 'predator' has become a powerful metaphor used in social, economic, and digital contexts. It describes individuals or entities that seek out the vulnerable to exploit them for personal gain. This dual nature of the word makes it essential for both scientific literacy and social awareness.

Biological Context: In ecology, a predator is a heterotroph that kills and eats another living thing. This process, known as predation, is a key component of the food web. Without predators, prey populations would grow uncontrollably, leading to overgrazing and the eventual collapse of the local ecosystem. Predators maintain the balance of nature by removing the weak or sick from a population.
Economic Context: In the business world, a 'corporate predator' refers to a company or investor that targets smaller, struggling businesses for hostile takeovers. These entities often strip the target company of its assets for a quick profit, showing little regard for the employees or the long-term health of the industry. This usage highlights the aggressive and opportunistic nature of the word.
Social and Criminal Context: Perhaps the most serious use of the word is in the legal and social spheres. A 'sexual predator' or 'online predator' is someone who systematically targets vulnerable individuals, often children, for abuse or exploitation. In this context, the word carries a heavy moral weight and is used to describe behavior that is calculated, repetitive, and dangerous.

The owl is a silent predator that hunts small rodents during the night using its exceptional hearing.

Understanding the word 'predator' requires recognizing its shift from a neutral biological descriptor to a highly charged social label. In a nature documentary, the word is descriptive and objective. In a news report about a scam artist, the word is accusatory and judgmental. This versatility is why 'predator' appears in everything from elementary school science books to complex legal documents and financial news. It captures the essence of a power imbalance where one side is the hunter and the other is the hunted. Whether it is a wolf in the forest or a scammer on the internet, the core concept remains the same: the pursuit of a target for consumption or exploitation.

Investors warned that the company's aggressive tactics made it look like a market predator.

The reintroduction of the gray wolf, a top predator, helped restore the park's biodiversity.

Using the word predator correctly involves matching its intensity to the subject matter. In scientific writing, it is often paired with adjectives that describe the animal's position in the food chain or its hunting style. In social contexts, it is used to define the nature of a person's harmful actions. Here we explore the various syntactic patterns and thematic applications of the word to help you integrate it into your vocabulary naturally and accurately.

With Biological Adjectives: Commonly, you will see 'predator' modified by words like 'apex', 'top', 'natural', or 'stealthy'. For example: 'The lion is an apex predator, meaning it has no natural enemies in the wild.' This usage clarifies the animal's status and role within its environment.
Describing Human Behavior: When applied to humans, 'predator' often acts as a harsh label. Phrases like 'social predator' or 'financial predator' describe people who use charm or deception to hurt others. Example: 'The con artist was described as a financial predator who targeted elderly retirees.'

Because the island had no large predators, the bird population flourished without fear.

In terms of grammar, 'predator' is a countable noun. You can have one predator or many predators. It is frequently the subject of a sentence describing an action of hunting, or the object of a sentence describing a threat. In more advanced English, you might use it in the possessive form to describe a predator's instincts or a predator's advantage. The word is almost always used with a serious tone; it is rarely used in lighthearted or humorous ways because the core concept involves death or exploitation.

The documentary explores how the predator tracks its prey through the dense jungle.

When writing about business, 'predator' is often used to describe a company that is looking to acquire another company against its will. This is known as a 'predatory takeover'. In this sense, the word emphasizes the lack of consent and the aggressive nature of the acquisition. Similarly, 'predatory pricing' is a strategy where a large company lowers prices so much that smaller competitors cannot survive and are forced out of the market. In all these cases, the word 'predator' serves to highlight an imbalance of power and a strategy of elimination.

The police warned parents about an online predator using fake social media profiles.

The word predator is ubiquitous in modern media, appearing in scientific, legal, and entertainment contexts. Its presence in popular culture often leans into the fear and respect that high-level hunters command. From the titles of blockbuster movies to the headlines of major news outlets, the word is used to grab attention and signal a high-stakes conflict. Understanding where you are likely to encounter this word will help you grasp its different shades of meaning.

Nature Documentaries: This is the most common place to hear the word. Narrators like David Attenborough frequently use 'predator' to describe the life-and-death struggles of the animal kingdom. You will hear about 'apex predators' like lions or 'ambush predators' like crocodiles. Here, the word is used with a sense of awe and scientific precision.
True Crime and News: In the news, 'predator' is a standard term for criminals who target the weak. You will hear it in reports about internet safety, financial scams, or sexual assault cases. In these instances, the word is used to emphasize the dangerous and calculated nature of the offender's behavior.
Science Fiction and Action Movies: The 'Predator' film franchise is a prime example of the word's use in entertainment. It depicts an alien species that hunts other dangerous creatures for sport. This has cemented the word in the public consciousness as a symbol of a formidable, high-tech, and lethal hunter.

'The Great White Shark is the ocean's most feared predator,' the narrator explained.

In academic settings, you will encounter 'predator' in biology, ecology, and psychology textbooks. It is used to explain the 'predator-prey relationship,' which is a fundamental concept in understanding how populations interact. In psychology, it might be used to describe 'predatory aggression,' which is planned and goal-oriented, as opposed to 'reactive aggression,' which is an emotional response to a threat. This technical usage requires a precise understanding of the word's definition.

The news report focused on a corporate predator who dismantled several local businesses.

Finally, you may hear the word in political discourse. Politicians sometimes label their opponents or certain policies as 'predatory' to suggest they are harmful to the public or the economy. For instance, a politician might speak against 'predatory tax systems' that they believe unfairly target the poor. This shows how the word has been adopted into the language of persuasion and rhetoric, using the primal fear of being hunted to make a political point.

While predator is a common word, it is frequently misused in ways that can confuse the listener or make the speaker sound less precise. Most mistakes involve confusing the word with its opposite, using the wrong part of speech, or applying it to situations where it doesn't quite fit. By understanding these common pitfalls, you can ensure that your use of the word is always accurate and effective.

Confusing Predator and Prey: This is the most basic error. Remember: the predator is the one doing the eating, and the prey is the one being eaten. You would never say 'The rabbit is a predator of the fox' unless the rabbit had undergone a terrifying mutation. Always double-check who is the hunter and who is the hunted.
Misusing Predator vs. Predatory: 'Predator' is a noun (a person or thing), while 'predatory' is an adjective (describing a quality). You can be a predator, or you can have predatory instincts. A common mistake is saying 'He has a predator behavior' instead of 'He has predatory behavior.' Using the adjective form before a noun is grammatically correct.
Overusing the Word for Simple Meanings: Sometimes people use 'predator' when they just mean 'mean' or 'aggressive.' However, 'predator' implies a specific kind of calculated, one-sided relationship. If two people are fighting equally, neither is a predator. A predator requires a victim or prey. Don't use it for every conflict; save it for situations with a clear power imbalance.

Incorrect: The deer is a dangerous predator to the grass. (Grass is not usually considered 'prey' in this sense; the deer is an 'herbivore').

Another mistake is using 'predator' to describe scavengers. A scavenger, like a vulture, eats animals that are already dead. A predator must kill its own food. While some animals are both (like lions), the word 'predator' specifically refers to the act of hunting and killing. If you are talking about an animal that only eats leftovers, 'scavenger' is the correct term. Precision in these biological terms is important in scientific and educational contexts.

Correct: The hawk is a predator, while the vulture is primarily a scavenger.

While predator is a very specific term, there are several synonyms and related words that you can use depending on the context. Choosing the right alternative can help you be more precise or change the tone of your writing. Whether you are talking about animals, business, or social behavior, having a range of options is beneficial for any English learner.

Hunter: This is the most direct synonym. However, 'hunter' often implies a human or an animal acting with a specific intent. 'Predator' is more biological and systemic. You might say 'The hunter went into the woods,' but 'The wolf is a natural predator.' Use 'hunter' for specific acts and 'predator' for a role in nature.
Carnivore: A carnivore is an animal that eats meat. While most predators are carnivores, not all carnivores are predators (some are scavengers). 'Carnivore' refers to diet, while 'predator' refers to the method of getting food (hunting). Use 'carnivore' when discussing nutrition and 'predator' when discussing behavior.
Exploiter: In a social or business context, 'exploiter' is a good alternative to 'predator'. It describes someone who takes advantage of others. 'Predator' is much stronger and more negative than 'exploiter'. Use 'exploiter' for general unfairness and 'predator' for dangerous or systematic targeting.

The eagle is a magnificent hunter of the skies.

Other words to consider include 'beast of prey', which is a more poetic or old-fashioned way of saying predator. In a business context, you might use 'raider' (as in 'corporate raider') to describe someone who aggressively takes over companies. In a criminal context, 'offender' or 'attacker' might be used, though they lack the 'hunting' connotation of 'predator'. Understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your language to your audience and your specific message.

The company was accused of being a raider that destroyed local jobs.

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

ニュートラル

カジュアル

Child friendly

スラング

豆知識

The word 'prey' and 'predator' come from the same Latin root. While 'predator' is the one who takes, 'prey' is the thing that is taken. They are etymological cousins!

発音ガイド

UK /ˈpred.ə.tər/

US /ˈpred.ə.t̬ɚ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: PRED-a-tor.

韻が合う語

editor creditor competitor inheritor expeditor auditor visitor senator

よくある間違い

Pronouncing it like 'pre-DAY-tor' (wrong stress).
Spelling it 'predater' (ending with -er instead of -or).
Confusing the 'e' sound with a long 'i' (like 'pridator').
Failing to reduce the middle 'a' to a schwa sound.
Over-emphasizing the 'o' in the last syllable.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially in science texts.

ライティング 3/5

Requires correct spelling (-or) and understanding of metaphorical uses.

スピーキング 2/5

Common enough that most learners can use it correctly.

リスニング 2/5

Distinct sound, but watch for the flap 't' in US English.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

animal eat hunt strong food

次に学ぶ

prey carnivore ecosystem habitat exploit

上級

trophic level hostile takeover predatory lending niche biodiversity

知っておくべき文法

Countable Nouns

One predator, two predators.

Noun as Adjective

Predator drone, predator behavior (though 'predatory' is better).

Possessive Case

The predator's claws were sharp.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The predator hunts at night.

Compound Adjectives

A predator-free zone.

レベル別の例文

The lion is a big predator.

Aslan büyük bir avcıdır.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

A shark is a predator in the sea.

Köpekbalığı denizde bir avcıdır.

Use of 'in the sea' as a prepositional phrase.

Is the cat a predator?

Kedi bir avcı mıdır?

Question form using 'is'.

Predators hunt other animals.

Avcılar diğer hayvanları avlar.

Plural noun with a simple verb.

The owl is a night predator.

Baykuş bir gece avcısıdır.

Noun used as an adjective (night).

That bird is a predator.

O kuş bir avcıdır.

Demonstrative pronoun 'that'.

The tiger is a fast predator.

Kaplan hızlı bir avcıdır.

Adjective 'fast' modifying the noun.

Many predators live in the forest.

Ormanda birçok avcı yaşar.

Use of 'many' with a plural noun.

The eagle is a powerful predator that flies high.

Kartal, yükseklerde uçan güçlü bir avcıdır.

Relative clause 'that flies high'.

Snakes are predators that eat mice.

Yılanlar fare yiyen avcılardır.

Plural subject and relative clause.

A predator needs to be strong to catch its prey.

Bir avcının avını yakalamak için güçlü olması gerekir.

Infinitive of purpose 'to catch'.

Are there any predators in this park?

Bu parkta hiç avcı var mı?

Question with 'are there any'.

The bear is a large predator found in the mountains.

Ayı, dağlarda bulunan büyük bir avcıdır.

Past participle phrase 'found in the mountains'.

Small predators often hunt in groups.

Küçük avcılar genellikle gruplar halinde avlanırlar.

Adverb of frequency 'often'.

The spider is a predator that builds webs.

Örümcek, ağ kuran bir avcıdır.

Relative clause describing the noun.

Every ecosystem has its own predators.

Her ekosistemin kendi avcıları vardır.

Use of 'every' with a singular noun.

The reintroduction of predators can help balance the environment.

Avcıların yeniden doğaya salınması çevrenin dengelenmesine yardımcı olabilir.

Gerund phrase as the subject.

Parents should protect their children from online predators.

Ebeveynler çocuklarını çevrimiçi avcılardan korumalıdır.

Modal verb 'should' for advice.

The shark is often called the ultimate predator of the ocean.

Köpekbalığı genellikle okyanusun nihai avcısı olarak adlandırılır.

Passive voice 'is called'.

Without a natural predator, the rabbits destroyed the garden.

Doğal bir avcı olmayınca tavşanlar bahçeyi mahvetti.

Prepositional phrase 'without a natural predator'.

The documentary showed how the predator stalks its prey for hours.

Belgesel, avcının avını saatlerce nasıl takip ettiğini gösterdi.

Noun clause 'how the predator stalks...'.

He was described as a social predator who used people for money.

İnsanları para için kullanan sosyal bir avcı olarak tanımlandı.

Relative clause with 'who'.

Predators play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity.

Avcılar, biyoçeşitliliğin korunmasında hayati bir rol oynarlar.

Preposition 'in' followed by a gerund.

Is it possible for a predator to become the prey?

Bir avcının av olması mümkün müdür?

Infinitive phrase as the real subject.

The company's predatory tactics were criticized by the trade commission.

Şirketin yırtıcı taktikleri ticaret komisyonu tarafından eleştirildi.

Adjective 'predatory' used in a business context.

As an apex predator, the polar bear has no natural enemies.

Bir tepe avcısı olarak kutup ayısının doğal bir düşmanı yoktur.

Appositive phrase 'As an apex predator'.

The law aims to identify and track known sexual predators.

Yasa, bilinen cinsel avcıları belirlemeyi ve takip etmeyi amaçlamaktadır.

Infinitive phrase 'to identify and track'.

Predatory pricing is a strategy used to drive competitors out of business.

Yırtıcı fiyatlandırma, rakipleri iş dışı bırakmak için kullanılan bir stratejidir.

Compound noun 'predatory pricing'.

The predator's camouflage makes it almost invisible to its prey.

Avcının kamuflajı onu avı için neredeyse görünmez kılar.

Possessive noun 'predator's'.

Some argue that humans are the most dangerous predators on Earth.

Bazıları insanların dünyadaki en tehlikeli avcılar olduğunu savunuyor.

Noun clause starting with 'that'.

The study analyzed the impact of invasive predators on local bird species.

Çalışma, istilacı avcıların yerel kuş türleri üzerindeki etkisini analiz etti.

Adjective 'invasive' modifying 'predators'.

The film depicts a futuristic predator with advanced technology.

Film, gelişmiş teknolojiye sahip fütüristik bir avcıyı tasvir ediyor.

Prepositional phrase 'with advanced technology'.

The ecosystem collapsed following the extinction of its primary predator.

Birincil avcısının neslinin tükenmesinin ardından ekosistem çöktü.

Participial phrase 'following the extinction...'.

She wrote a thesis on the psychological profile of white-collar predators.

Beyaz yakalı avcıların psikolojik profili üzerine bir tez yazdı.

Complex noun phrase 'psychological profile of...'.

The term 'predator' carries significant legal weight in criminal proceedings.

'Avcı' terimi, ceza yargılamalarında önemli bir yasal ağırlık taşır.

Quotation marks used to highlight a specific term.

Evolutionary pressure from predators has shaped the behavior of many species.

Avcılardan gelen evrimsel baskı, birçok türün davranışını şekillendirmiştir.

Subject-verb agreement with 'pressure'.

The documentary deconstructs the myth of the shark as a mindless predator.

Belgesel, köpekbalığının akılsız bir avcı olduğu mitini yıkıyor.

Verb 'deconstructs' used in an analytical sense.

Predatory lending practices contributed significantly to the housing crisis.

Yırtıcı ödünç verme uygulamaları konut krizine önemli ölçüde katkıda bulundu.

Adverb 'significantly' modifying the verb.

The author uses the wolf as a metaphor for the social predator in his novel.

Yazar, romanında sosyal avcı için kurdu bir metafor olarak kullanıyor.

Metaphorical use of the noun.

Intricate predator-prey dynamics are essential for a healthy biosphere.

Karmaşık av-avcı dinamikleri, sağlıklı bir biyosfer için esastır.

Compound adjective 'predator-prey'.

The sheer efficiency of the predator was both terrifying and magnificent.

Avcının mutlak verimliliği hem korkutucu hem de muhteşemdi.

Use of 'sheer' for emphasis.

He navigated the corporate world with the cold precision of a predator.

Kurumsal dünyada bir avcının soğuk hassasiyetiyle yol aldı.

Simile-like prepositional phrase 'with the cold precision of...'.

The legislation was a response to the rise of digital predators in the unregulated market.

Mevzuat, düzenlenmemiş piyasadaki dijital avcıların artışına bir yanıttı.

Complex sentence with multiple prepositional phrases.

Biologists are studying how some plants have evolved into 'sit-and-wait' predators.

Biyologlar, bazı bitkilerin nasıl 'otur ve bekle' avcılarına dönüştüğünü inceliyorlar.

Technical term 'sit-and-wait' in quotes.

The predator's niche in the ecosystem cannot be easily filled by any other species.

Avcının ekosistemdeki nişi başka herhangi bir tür tarafından kolayca doldurulamaz.

Passive voice with a modal 'cannot be filled'.

Philosophically, one might question the morality of the predator in a deterministic world.

Felsefi olarak, deterministik bir dünyada avcının ahlakı sorgulanabilir.

Adverb 'philosophically' setting the tone.

The film's protagonist is a predator who eventually finds himself being hunted.

Filmin kahramanı, sonunda kendisini avlanırken bulan bir avcıdır.

Relative clause with a reflexive pronoun 'himself'.

The predatory nature of the algorithm ensures that users remain engaged at all costs.

Algoritmanın yırtıcı doğası, kullanıcıların ne pahasına olursa olsun meşgul kalmasını sağlar.

Abstract use of 'predatory nature'.

類義語

hunter carnivore killer beast of prey raptor

反対語

prey victim quarry

よく使う組み合わせ

apex predator

natural predator

sexual predator

online predator

corporate predator

predatory pricing

stealthy predator

top predator

vicious predator

predator-prey relationship

よく使うフレーズ

beast of prey

predatory behavior

predatory lending

predatory instincts

stalk like a predator

prey on the weak

top of the food chain

hunt for prey

predatory look

natural enemy

よく混同される語

predator vs prey

Prey is the animal that is eaten; predator is the one that eats.

predator vs scavenger

A scavenger eats dead things; a predator kills them first.

predator vs parasite

A parasite lives on a host without killing it immediately; a predator kills to eat.

慣用句と表現

"wolf in sheep's clothing"

A person who appears friendly but is actually a dangerous predator. It describes deception.

Be careful with him; he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.

informal

"shark in the water"

A dangerous or predatory person who is nearby and waiting to strike. Often used in business.

There are sharks in the water, so watch your back in this meeting.

informal

"eat or be eaten"

A situation where you must be a predator to survive, or you will become the prey. It describes a competitive world.

In this industry, it's eat or be eaten.

informal

"sitting duck"

An easy target for a predator. Someone who is vulnerable and undefended.

Without a lawyer, you are a sitting duck for those corporate predators.

informal

"throw someone to the wolves"

To leave someone unprotected to be attacked by predators (metaphorical).

They threw the new manager to the wolves during the press conference.

informal

"lion's share"

The largest part of something, taken by the most powerful 'predator' in the group.

The big company took the lion's share of the profits.

neutral

"kill or cure"

An extreme action that will either solve a problem completely or destroy everything. Like a predator's strike.

The new economic policy is a kill or cure measure.

neutral

"in the lion's den"

In a very dangerous place or situation, surrounded by predators.

Walking into the rival company's office felt like being in the lion's den.

informal

"hawk-eyed"

Having very sharp vision, like a predatory bird. Often used to describe someone who notices everything.

The hawk-eyed teacher caught the student cheating.

neutral

"vulture culture"

A business environment where people wait for others to fail so they can profit from the remains.

The tech industry is often criticized for its vulture culture.

informal

間違えやすい

predator vs predatory

It is the adjective form.

Predator is the noun (the thing), predatory is the adjective (the quality).

The predator has predatory eyes.

predator vs carnivore

Both involve eating meat.

Carnivore is about diet; predator is about the act of hunting.

A vulture is a carnivore but not a predator.

predator vs hunter

They mean the same thing.

Hunter is more general and often refers to humans; predator is more biological.

The hunter shot a deer; the wolf is a predator.

predator vs raider

Used in business.

Raider is specific to taking over companies; predator is more general exploitation.

The corporate raider is a financial predator.

predator vs attacker

Both involve an assault.

Attacker is a one-time action; predator implies a lifestyle or repeated behavior.

The attacker ran away; the predator stalks its victims.

文型パターン

The [animal] is a predator.

The lion is a predator.

A predator hunts [prey].

A cat hunts mice.

[Animal] is a natural predator of [animal].

The owl is a natural predator of the mouse.

The [entity] was accused of predatory [behavior].

The bank was accused of predatory lending.

As an apex predator, [animal] [action].

As an apex predator, the shark maintains the health of the reef.

The predatory nature of [abstract concept] [result].

The predatory nature of the market led to its collapse.

Protect [someone] from [type] predators.

Protect kids from online predators.

Is there a predator in the [place]?

Is there a predator in the water?

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

使い方

frequency

Common in science, news, and entertainment.

よくある間違い

The deer is a predator of grass. → The deer is an herbivore that eats grass.
Predators hunt other animals, not plants.
He showed predator behavior. → He showed predatory behavior.
Use the adjective 'predatory' to describe a noun like 'behavior'.
The mouse is the predator of the owl. → The owl is the predator of the mouse.
The hunter is the predator; the hunted is the prey.
The vulture is a predator. → The vulture is a scavenger.
Vultures don't usually kill their food; they eat what is already dead.
He is a sexual predater. → He is a sexual predator.
The word ends in -or, not -er.

ヒント

Use with Adjectives

Pair 'predator' with adjectives like 'apex', 'natural', or 'stealthy' to sound more like a native speaker.

Noun vs Adjective

Remember that 'predator' is a person or animal, while 'predatory' describes their behavior or actions.

Predator vs Prey

Always keep the direction of the hunt in mind: the predator eats the prey. Don't flip them!

The -OR Ending

Think of 'predatOR' and 'actOR'. Both are people (or things) that perform an action.

Social Sensitivity

Be very careful when calling a person a 'predator'. It is a serious label with legal and social consequences.

Food Chain

In biology, use 'predator' to explain how energy moves through an ecosystem from one level to another.

Corporate Context

In business, 'predator' implies a lack of ethics and a focus on destroying competition.

Tone Matters

Pay attention to whether the word is used with awe (nature) or fear/disgust (crime).

Metaphors

Use 'predator' as a metaphor for anything that is powerful, focused, and potentially harmful.

The 'P' Rule

P is for Predator, P is for Powerful, P is for Prey (the one the Predator eats).

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'PRED-ator' as someone who 'PRE-dates' (comes before) the death of its prey. It has to act first to get its meal.

視覚的連想

Imagine a large, sharp-toothed shark swimming toward a small fish. The shark is the PREDATOR. The teeth look like the letter 'P'.

Word Web

lion shark eagle hunter prey food chain danger claws

チャレンジ

Write three sentences: one about a sea predator, one about a land predator, and one about a 'business predator'. Try to use the word 'predatory' in one of them.

語源

The word 'predator' comes from the Latin word 'praedator', which means 'plunderer' or 'robber'. This Latin word is derived from 'praeda', meaning 'booty' or 'prey'. It entered the English language in the early 20th century, specifically in biological contexts.

元の意味： A plunderer or someone who takes things by force.

Indo-European (Latin branch).

文化的な背景

Be very careful when using this word to describe people. It is a very serious accusation and should only be used in legal or very clear moral contexts.

In the US and UK, 'predator' is a common term in legal news and true crime documentaries.

The movie 'Predator' (1987) starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The TV show 'To Catch a Predator' which focused on online safety. The 'Apex Predator' nickname used by WWE wrestler Randy Orton.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Biology Class

food chain
apex predator
natural balance
hunting habits

Business News

hostile takeover
market dominance
aggressive tactics
corporate raider

Internet Safety

online safety
privacy settings
stranger danger
reporting abuse

Nature Documentaries

stalking the prey
the kill
survival of the fittest
top of the food chain

Legal/Crime

criminal record
targeting victims
systematic abuse
legal definition

会話のきっかけ

"What do you think is the most impressive predator in the animal kingdom?"

"Do you think humans are natural predators, or have we changed too much?"

"How can we protect children from online predators without scaring them?"

"Have you ever seen a predator hunting in the wild or on TV?"

"What happens to an environment when the top predator is removed?"

日記のテーマ

Describe a time you felt like a 'predator' (in a good way, like being very focused on a goal).

Write about the importance of predators in nature and why we should protect them.

How does the metaphorical use of 'predator' in business change your view of successful companies?

Imagine you are a predator in the jungle. Describe your day and your hunt.

Discuss the ethical implications of labeling a person as a 'predator' for life.

よくある質問

10 問

Biologically, humans are considered top predators because we are at the top of the food chain. However, the word is usually used for animals or in a negative social sense for humans.

An apex predator is an animal at the very top of the food chain that has no natural enemies that hunt it. Examples include lions, orcas, and polar bears.

Yes, carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap are considered predators because they trap and 'eat' insects to get nutrients.

A predator kills its own food, while a scavenger eats animals that are already dead. Some animals, like hyenas, do both.

In biology, it is a neutral, scientific word. In social contexts, it is almost always negative and describes harmful behavior.

It is a business strategy where a company sets prices very low to drive competitors out of the market, then raises them once they are gone.

The plural is 'predators'. You simply add an 's' to the end.

A natural predator is an animal that naturally hunts another in the wild. For example, the ladybug is a natural predator of aphids.

Yes, spiders are predators because they hunt and kill insects and other small creatures for food.

It is called 'Predator' because the main antagonist is an alien that hunts humans for sport, acting as a high-tech hunter.