This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B1 adjective 10 min read

omnivore

Examples omnivore in 30 Seconds
Explanation omnivore in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'omnivore' describes someone or an animal that eats 'everything'—both meat and vegetables. It is a useful word when talking about animals like pigs or bears in simple sentences. You might learn it alongside words like 'manger' (to eat), 'viande' (meat), and 'légumes' (vegetables). At this stage, don't worry about the scientific details; just remember that it's a way to describe a diet that isn't restricted. You can say 'Je suis omnivore' if you eat all types of food. It's a great word to use when you're first learning to describe yourself and your habits. Remember, the spelling is the same for men and women, which makes it easy to remember! In A1, you might see this word in a picture book about farm animals or in a basic lesson about food. It helps you categorize the world simply: some animals eat grass, some eat meat, and some, like us, are omnivores.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the A2 level, you can start using 'omnivore' to build more descriptive sentences about nature and lifestyle. You should be able to explain *why* an animal is an omnivore: 'Le cochon est omnivore parce qu'il mange des plantes et des insectes.' You can also use it to contrast with 'végétarien'. For example, if you are at a restaurant with friends, you can use this word to clarify dietary preferences. You are also learning to make the word plural ('omnivores') when talking about groups of people or animals. At this level, you might encounter the word in short articles about health or the environment. It's a step up from 'mange de tout' and shows you are starting to use more precise vocabulary. You should also recognize that it doesn't change gender, so 'ma sœur est omnivore' is correct. This consistency is very helpful as you navigate the complexities of French adjective agreement.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'omnivore' with more confidence in varied contexts, including social, scientific, and cultural discussions. You understand that humans are biologically omnivores and can discuss the implications of this. You can use the word to describe complex behaviors: 'L'ours est un omnivore opportuniste qui s'adapte à son environnement.' You are also beginning to see the word used in metaphorical ways, such as 'un lecteur omnivore'. You should be able to participate in a conversation about food trends in France, like flexitarianism, and use 'omnivore' as a reference point. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like 'régime alimentaire' and 'chaîne alimentaire'. You can now use the word to write short essays about ecology or personal habits, ensuring correct plural agreement and placement after the noun. This word is a key part of your 'nature and environment' vocabulary toolkit at this intermediate stage.
At the B2 level, 'omnivore' is a word you should use naturally in debates about ethics, biology, and sociology. You can discuss the 'paradoxe de l'omnivore' (the omnivore's dilemma)—the challenge of choosing what to eat when everything is an option. You are comfortable using the word in formal writing, such as a report on biodiversity or an article about the history of human nutrition. You understand the scientific nuances: for instance, how an omnivorous diet provides an evolutionary advantage. You can also distinguish between 'omnivore' and more technical terms like 'polyphage' or 'euryphage'. In discussions about French gastronomy, you can use the word to describe the traditional French approach to eating a wide variety of ingredients. Your use of the word is precise, and you can handle complex sentence structures, such as 'La condition omnivore de l'être humain a façonné son évolution sociale et technique.'
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'omnivore' and can use it in highly specialized or literary contexts. You might analyze texts that use the term to describe philosophical concepts of consumption or human nature. You can discuss the nuances of the 'omnivore' label in the context of modern identity politics and environmentalism. Your vocabulary includes derivatives and related academic terms. You can use the word figuratively with ease: 'Son esprit omnivore se délectait de toutes les formes d'art, de la peinture classique au cinéma d'avant-garde.' You are aware of the word's etymology (Latin 'omnis' and 'vorare') and can use this knowledge to understand related words in other Romance languages. In professional or academic settings, you can speak fluently about 'les stratégies alimentaires omnivores' in various species, using the term as part of a complex scientific argument.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, 'omnivore' is a tool for precise and nuanced expression in any domain. You can use it in academic papers on anthropology to discuss how the omnivorous nature of early hominids influenced brain development. You can employ it in high-level literary criticism to describe a writer's 'omnivore' style—one that consumes and repurposes many different genres and influences. You have a deep understanding of the word's place in the history of ideas, from Enlightenment discussions about the 'natural' diet of man to contemporary debates in 'food studies'. You can navigate the most subtle distinctions between 'omnivore' and its synonyms in technical, poetic, or philosophical registers. Your mastery is such that you can play with the word's connotations, perhaps in a satirical piece about modern 'foodie' culture or a deep dive into the semiotics of the French menu.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples

omnivore in 30 Seconds

  • Omnivore describes a diet consisting of both plants and animals, applicable to humans and various wildlife species like bears and pigs.
  • In French, the word is the same for masculine and feminine forms, making it easy to use correctly in sentences.
  • It is a common term in French science education and is also used socially to describe people without dietary restrictions.
  • Metaphorically, it can describe someone with a wide range of interests, such as an 'omnivore reader' who enjoys all genres.
The term omnivore is a fundamental biological descriptor that has transitioned from purely scientific discourse into everyday French conversation. At its core, it describes an organism—whether an animal or a human—that possesses the physiological capability to derive energy and nutrients from a diverse diet consisting of both plant and animal matter. In the French language, the word functions seamlessly as both an adjective and a noun, which is a common trait for biological classifications ending in '-vore'. When you call someone an 'omnivore' in a social setting, you are typically indicating that they have no specific dietary restrictions like vegetarianism or veganism. This versatility makes it a crucial word for intermediate learners (B1) who are moving beyond simple food vocabulary into more complex discussions about lifestyle, biology, and ecology.
Biological Context
In biology, 'omnivore' refers to species like the brown bear or the pig that occupy a flexible ecological niche. They are not limited to one food source, allowing them to survive in varied environments. In French, we say 'L'être humain est naturellement omnivore' to describe our evolutionary history.

Bien que je préfère les légumes, je reste techniquement omnivore car je mange occasionnellement du poisson.

Beyond biology, the word carries a connotation of openness. An 'omnivore' is someone who explores all possibilities. While 'herbivore' and 'carnivore' are strict categories, 'omnivore' represents a spectrum. In a French restaurant, if a waiter asks about dietary requirements, saying 'Je suis omnivore' is a sophisticated way of saying 'I eat everything.' It suggests a level of culinary curiosity. Historically, the French have prided themselves on an omnivorous diet, where offal, seafood, and a vast array of vegetables all find a place on the plate. Understanding this word helps you navigate French culture's deep connection to diverse food sources.
Societal Usage
In modern debates about ecology and ethics, 'omnivore' is often used to contrast with 'végétalien' (vegan) or 'végétarien'. It is a neutral term, devoid of the judgment that sometimes accompanies more specific labels.

Les régimes omnivores sont les plus répandus dans les sociétés rurales traditionnelles.

Comparative Anatomy
French students learn about 'la dentition omnivore' in science class, which includes molars for grinding plants and incisors/canines for tearing meat. This anatomical focus reinforces the word's scientific roots.

Le rat est un petit mammifère omnivore très adaptable.

Il est difficile de maintenir un équilibre nutritionnel sans être omnivore dans certaines régions isolées.

L'ours noir est un omnivore opportuniste qui se nourrit de baies et de poissons.

Using omnivore correctly in French requires an understanding of its placement as either an adjective following a noun or as a standalone noun. Because it ends in 'e', it is 'épicène', meaning it does not change between masculine and feminine singular forms. This makes it relatively easy for English speakers to integrate. However, the plural form 'omnivores' must be used when referring to multiple subjects. In a sentence, it often follows the verb 'être' (to be) or 'rester' (to remain). For example, 'Elle est omnivore' or 'Ils sont omnivores'.
Subject-Verb Agreement
When used as a noun, it takes an article: 'Un omnivore' or 'L'omnivore'. When used as an adjective, it modifies the noun it follows: 'Un régime omnivore' or 'Une espèce omnivore'. Note how 'espèce' (species) is feminine, but 'omnivore' remains unchanged.

La plupart des primates sont omnivores, consommant des fruits ainsi que des insectes.

In complex sentences, 'omnivore' can be used to contrast different dietary habits. For instance, 'Alors que son frère est végétarien, Jean reste résolument omnivore.' This highlights the choice-based aspect of the word in modern human contexts. In scientific writing, it often appears in the phrase 'régime alimentaire omnivore' (omnivorous diet). Here, 'alimentaire' provides additional specificity. Another common construction is 'à tendance omnivore' (with omnivorous tendencies), used when an animal primarily eats one thing but occasionally eats others.
Metaphorical Use
While less common than in English, you might hear 'lecteur omnivore' (omnivorous reader) to describe someone who reads everything. This figurative use suggests an insatiable appetite for variety.

Son appétit omnivore pour la culture le pousse à visiter tous les musées de Paris.

Scientific Precision
In ecology, 'omnivore' is used to define a consumer's position in the food web. Phrases like 'consommateur omnivore' are standard in textbooks.

L'adaptation omnivore a permis à l'homme de coloniser des climats très variés.

Même les animaux domestiques comme les chiens ont un système digestif omnivore.

Un écosystème sain nécessite une diversité d'espèces omnivores pour réguler les populations.

The word omnivore is a staple in French educational media and documentaries. If you watch 'C'est pas sorcier' (a famous French science show) or nature documentaries on Arte or France 5, you will hear this term frequently when experts describe the behavior of wildlife. It is also a key term in the French national curriculum ('le programme scolaire') for life and earth sciences (SVT). Students encounter it as early as primary school when learning about 'les chaînes alimentaires' (food chains).
Documentaries and Media
Narrators use 'omnivore' to explain why certain animals, like wild boars (sangliers), are so successful in French forests. Their ability to eat acorns, roots, and small animals makes them highly resilient.

Le sanglier, cet omnivore robuste, cause parfois des dégâts dans les champs cultivés.

In the culinary world, you might hear 'omnivore' in podcasts or interviews with chefs discussing the 'flexitarian' movement. Food critics often use it when discussing the ethics of eating. It appears in magazine articles (like 'Le Monde' or 'L'Express') that explore the environmental impact of different diets. Interestingly, there was a famous food festival in France called the 'Omnivore Food Festival,' which celebrated 'la jeune cuisine' (young cuisine) and emphasized the use of all types of ingredients without prejudice. This helped cement the word in the minds of French foodies as a symbol of culinary freedom and creativity.
Cultural Festivals
The 'Omnivore' brand in France became synonymous with modern, boundary-pushing gastronomy. This association gives the word a 'cool' or 'trendy' edge in certain circles.

Il a participé au festival Omnivore pour découvrir les nouvelles tendances culinaires.

Everyday Conversations
When organizing a dinner party ('un dîner'), a host might ask: 'Est-ce que tout le monde est omnivore ou y a-t-il des végétariens ?' (Is everyone an omnivore or are there vegetarians?). This is a polite and efficient way to check for dietary needs.

En tant qu'omnivore, j'aime goûter à toutes les spécialités locales quand je voyage.

Le documentaire explique comment le renard est devenu un omnivore urbain.

Les enfants apprennent le mot omnivore en étudiant le régime alimentaire du hérisson.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with omnivore is trying to feminize it by adding an extra 'e' or changing the ending. Remember, 'omnivore' is already gender-neutral in its spelling. Whether you are talking about 'un homme omnivore' or 'une femme omnivore', the spelling remains identical. Another mistake is pronunciation; English speakers often want to pronounce the ending like 'vore' in 'more', but in French, the 'o' in 'vore' is a short, open sound, and the final 'e' is silent, making the 'r' the last sound heard.
Spelling and Gender
Avoid 'omnivoree' or 'omnivora'. These do not exist in French. The word belongs to a group of adjectives (like 'calme' or 'rapide') that are the same for both genders. This is a common point of confusion for students who are used to adding 'e' for feminine forms.

ERREUR: Elle est omnivoree. CORRECT: Elle est omnivore.

Confusion also arises between 'omnivore' and 'polyphage'. While they are similar, 'polyphage' is much more technical and used almost exclusively in high-level biology or entomology (study of insects). Using 'polyphage' at a dinner party would sound very strange. Additionally, some learners confuse 'omnivore' with 'opportuniste'. While many omnivores are opportunistic eaters, an 'opportuniste' in French can also refer to a person's character (someone who takes advantage of situations), which is a completely different context.
Pronunciation Pitfalls
Do not nasalize the 'm' or 'n'. In French 'omnivore', the 'm' and 'n' are distinct. It's not like the 'on' in 'bon'. Practice saying 'om-ni-vore' with clear, crisp consonants.

ERREUR: Les cochons sont omnivore. CORRECT: Les cochons sont omnivores.

False Friends and Nuance
In English, 'omnivore' can sometimes sound slightly clinical or cold. In French, it's very common and doesn't carry that same 'scientific' weight in casual conversation. Don't be afraid to use it to describe yourself.

Il ne faut pas confondre un régime omnivore avec un régime équilibré; on peut être omnivore et manger mal.

Certaines personnes pensent que 'omnivore' signifie 'mangeur de viande' uniquement, ce qui est faux.

Le terme omnivore ne prend jamais de trait d'union.

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding diet, it is helpful to compare omnivore with its cousins. The most obvious are 'carnivore' (meat-eater) and 'herbivore' (plant-eater). In French, these follow the same grammatical rules. However, there are more nuanced terms that can enrich your descriptions. For example, 'granivore' (seed-eater), 'piscivore' (fish-eater), and 'frugivore' (fruit-eater). Using these specific terms shows a higher level of French proficiency.
Comparison: Omnivore vs. Flexitarien
'Omnivore' is a biological fact, whereas 'flexitarien' is a conscious lifestyle choice. A flexitarian is an omnivore who actively chooses to reduce their meat consumption. In French social circles, 'flexitarien' is currently very trendy.

Bien qu'il soit omnivore par nature, il a adopté un mode de vie flexitarien pour l'environnement.

Another alternative is 'polyphage', which we mentioned earlier. It is used in biological sciences to describe an animal that feeds on many different types of food. While 'omnivore' usually implies a mix of plants and animals, 'polyphage' can just mean a wide variety within one category (like an insect that eats many types of plants). For humans, 'gourmet' or 'gourmand' are related in the sense of enjoying food, but they describe the quality of appreciation rather than the biological range of the diet.
Comparison: Omnivore vs. Opportuniste
An 'omnivore' has the *ability* to eat everything. An 'opportuniste' (in a biological sense) is an animal that eats whatever is *available*. Most omnivores are opportunistic, but not all opportunistic feeders are omnivores.

Le rat est l'exemple parfait de l'animal omnivore et opportuniste.

Specific Diets
If you want to say someone 'eats everything' without using the scientific 'omnivore', you can say 'Il mange de tout'. This is the most common colloquial equivalent.

Mon fils n'est pas difficile, il est vraiment omnivore.

L'écureuil est principalement granivore, mais son régime peut devenir omnivore s'il trouve des œufs.

La baleine n'est pas omnivore, elle se nourrit presque exclusivement de krill.

Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Le cochon est un animal omnivore.

The pig is an omnivorous animal.

Omnivore is an adjective here, following the noun 'animal'.

2

Je suis omnivore, je mange de tout.

I am an omnivore, I eat everything.

Used as a noun/adjective after the verb 'être'.

3

L'ours est omnivore.

The bear is omnivorous.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

4

Est-ce que tu es omnivore ?

Are you an omnivore?

Question form using 'est-ce que'.

5

Mon chien est omnivore.

My dog is omnivorous.

'Mon chien' is the masculine subject.

6

La poule est omnivore.

The chicken is omnivorous.

'La poule' is feminine, but 'omnivore' stays the same.

7

Nous sommes tous omnivores.

We are all omnivores.

Plural form: add an 's' to 'omnivores'.

8

C'est un régime omnivore.

It is an omnivorous diet.

'Régime' is masculine singular.

1

Les rats sont des omnivores très intelligents.

Rats are very intelligent omnivores.

Plural noun usage with 'des'.

2

Elle préfère être omnivore pour avoir de l'énergie.

She prefers to be an omnivore to have energy.

Infinitive 'être' followed by the adjective.

3

Beaucoup d'animaux de la forêt sont omnivores.

Many forest animals are omnivores.

Plural agreement: 'animaux' and 'omnivores'.

4

Un omnivore mange des plantes et de la viande.

An omnivore eats plants and meat.

Noun usage with the indefinite article 'un'.

5

Le renard est un omnivore qui aime les fruits.

The fox is an omnivore that likes fruit.

Relative clause starting with 'qui'.

6

Mon chat n'est pas omnivore, il est carnivore.

My cat is not an omnivore, he is a carnivore.

Negative construction 'ne... pas'.

7

Les humains ont un système digestif omnivore.

Humans have an omnivorous digestive system.

'Système digestif' is the noun phrase being modified.

8

C'est facile de manger au restaurant quand on est omnivore.

It's easy to eat at a restaurant when one is an omnivore.

Use of the impersonal pronoun 'on'.

1

L'adaptation omnivore a aidé les humains à survivre.

The omnivorous adaptation helped humans survive.

Noun 'adaptation' modified by 'omnivore'.

2

Il est difficile de définir si ce singe est strictement omnivore.

It is difficult to define if this monkey is strictly omnivorous.

Use of the adverb 'strictement'.

3

En tant qu'omnivore, je respecte les choix des végétariens.

As an omnivore, I respect the choices of vegetarians.

Phrase 'en tant qu'' (as a/working as).

4

Le régime omnivore est le plus flexible de tous.

The omnivorous diet is the most flexible of all.

Superlative 'le plus... de tous'.

5

Certaines espèces deviennent omnivores par nécessité.

Some species become omnivorous out of necessity.

Verb 'devenir' (to become).

6

L'omnivore doit avoir une dentition variée.

The omnivore must have a varied set of teeth.

Modal verb 'devoir' (must).

7

Nous avons étudié les animaux omnivores en classe de sciences.

We studied omnivorous animals in science class.

Passé composé tense.

8

Le hérisson est un petit omnivore utile au jardin.

The hedgehog is a small omnivore useful in the garden.

Adjective 'utile' modifying 'omnivore'.

1

Le paradoxe de l'omnivore réside dans l'incertitude du choix.

The omnivore's dilemma lies in the uncertainty of choice.

Abstract noun phrase 'le paradoxe de l'omnivore'.

2

L'ours brun possède un régime alimentaire à tendance omnivore.

The brown bear has a diet with omnivorous tendencies.

Complex noun phrase 'à tendance omnivore'.

3

Être omnivore implique une grande responsabilité écologique.

Being an omnivore implies a great ecological responsibility.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive 'être' as a subject.

4

Les opportunistes omnivores réussissent mieux dans les villes.

Omnivorous opportunists succeed better in cities.

Two adjectives modifying the noun 'opportunistes'.

5

L'évolution nous a dotés d'un métabolisme omnivore performant.

Evolution has endowed us with an efficient omnivorous metabolism.

Verb 'doter' (to endow) with 'de'.

6

Elle a un appétit omnivore pour la littérature étrangère.

She has an omnivorous appetite for foreign literature.

Figurative use of 'omnivore'.

7

Ce festival célèbre la cuisine omnivore et créative.

This festival celebrates omnivorous and creative cuisine.

Coordinated adjectives 'omnivore et créative'.

8

L'analyse montre que nos ancêtres étaient déjà omnivores.

The analysis shows that our ancestors were already omnivores.

Imparfait tense 'étaient'.

1

La plasticité du régime omnivore assure la pérennité de l'espèce.

The plasticity of the omnivorous diet ensures the longevity of the species.

High-level vocabulary like 'plasticité' and 'pérennité'.

2

Il cultive une curiosité omnivore, s'intéressant à tout.

He cultivates an omnivorous curiosity, taking an interest in everything.

Metaphorical use in a formal register.

3

Le passage d'un régime herbivore à un régime omnivore fut crucial.

The transition from a herbivorous diet to an omnivorous one was crucial.

Passé simple tense 'fut'.

4

L'éthique omnivore est souvent remise en question aujourd'hui.

Omnivorous ethics are often questioned today.

Passive voice 'est remise en question'.

5

Certains insectes présentent un comportement omnivore complexe.

Certain insects exhibit complex omnivorous behavior.

Formal verb 'présenter'.

6

L'omnivore se situe au sommet de nombreuses chaînes trophiques.

The omnivore is located at the top of many trophic chains.

Scientific term 'chaînes trophiques'.

7

Sa culture omnivore lui permet de briller en société.

His omnivorous culture allows him to shine in society.

Figurative use meaning 'wide-ranging knowledge'.

8

On observe une transition vers des pratiques moins omnivores.

A transition towards less omnivorous practices is observed.

Comparative 'moins omnivores'.

1

L'omnivorisme humain est le fruit d'une co-évolution complexe.

Human omnivorism is the result of a complex co-evolution.

Use of the derivative noun 'omnivorisme'.

2

Cette approche omnivore de l'art transcende les genres établis.

This omnivorous approach to art transcends established genres.

Philosophical/Artistic register.

3

L'animal omnivore incarne l'adaptabilité biologique par excellence.

The omnivorous animal embodies biological adaptability par excellence.

Expression 'par excellence'.

4

Il dévore les archives avec une ferveur omnivore.

He devours the archives with an omnivorous fervor.

Strong metaphorical verb 'dévorer'.

5

L'hégémonie de l'omnivore dans l'écosystème est incontestable.

The hegemony of the omnivore in the ecosystem is indisputable.

Advanced noun 'hégémonie'.

6

Le régime omnivore, bien que critiqué, demeure un socle anthropologique.

The omnivorous diet, though criticized, remains an anthropological foundation.

Concessive clause 'bien que critiqué'.

7

L'omnivore ne se contente pas de subsister; il colonise.

The omnivore does not merely subsist; it colonizes.

Rhetorical structure.

8

Sa soif omnivore de savoir est proprement insatiable.

His omnivorous thirst for knowledge is truly insatiable.

Adverb 'proprement' used for emphasis.

Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

omnivore English
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!