proie
An animal hunted or seized for food by another carnivorous animal.
A prey is an animal that is hunted and killed by another for food.
Word in 30 Seconds
- An animal hunted for food by predators.
- Used in biology and nature contexts.
- Can also describe victims in figurative situations.
Summary
A prey is an animal that is hunted and killed by another for food.
- An animal hunted for food by predators.
- Used in biology and nature contexts.
- Can also describe victims in figurative situations.
Use with active verbs
Pair 'proie' with verbs like 'chasser' or 'attraper' to sound natural. It helps reinforce the active relationship between hunter and hunted.
Do not confuse with predator
Remember that 'proie' is the one being eaten, while 'prédateur' is the one doing the eating. Mixing these up changes the meaning of your sentence.
Figurative usage in literature
French literature often uses 'proie' metaphorically to describe characters trapped by their own weaknesses or external circumstances.
Examples
4 of 4Le faucon a repéré sa proie.
The falcon spotted its prey.
L'entreprise est devenue la proie d'une OPA hostile.
The company became the prey of a hostile takeover.
Il était la proie de la panique.
He was a prey to panic.
L'étude analyse les interactions entre prédateur et proie.
The study analyzes predator-prey interactions.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'pray' in English; a prey animal is often 'praying' for its life when the predator is near.
Aperçu
Le mot 'proie' désigne tout être vivant, généralement un animal, qui sert de nourriture à un autre animal, appelé prédateur. C'est un concept fondamental en écologie qui définit les relations au sein d'une chaîne alimentaire. 2) Modèles d'utilisation : On utilise 'proie' avec des verbes d'action comme 'chasser', 'attraper', 'dévorer' ou 'saisir'. Il peut aussi être utilisé au sens figuré pour désigner une personne vulnérable face à une menace ou une manipulation. 3) Contextes courants : Dans un contexte naturel, on parle de la lutte entre le prédateur et sa proie. Au figuré, on peut dire d'une personne qu'elle est 'proie au doute' ou 'proie aux flammes' (dans le cas d'un incendie). 4) Comparaison : Le mot 'proie' est l'opposé direct de 'prédateur'. Contrairement à 'gibier', qui désigne spécifiquement les animaux chassés par les humains pour le sport ou la nourriture, 'proie' est un terme plus biologique et général, s'appliquant à toute interaction de prédation dans la nature.
Usage Notes
The word 'proie' is neutral in tone but often used in formal or scientific contexts. It can be used literally for animals or figuratively for people. Always ensure you use the feminine article 'la' or 'une' with it.
Common Mistakes
Students often mix up 'proie' and 'prédateur'. Another error is using it to refer to a hunter. Remember that the prey is the one being hunted, not the hunter.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'pray' in English; a prey animal is often 'praying' for its life when the predator is near.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'proie', coming from the Latin 'praeda', which means 'plunder' or 'booty'. It historically referred to what was taken by force.
Cultural Context
In French culture, the predator-prey relationship is a common metaphor in literature and fables, such as those by La Fontaine, where animals represent human archetypes.
Examples
Le faucon a repéré sa proie.
everydayThe falcon spotted its prey.
L'entreprise est devenue la proie d'une OPA hostile.
formalThe company became the prey of a hostile takeover.
Il était la proie de la panique.
informalHe was a prey to panic.
L'étude analyse les interactions entre prédateur et proie.
academicThe study analyzes predator-prey interactions.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
proie facile
easy prey
tomber en proie à
to fall prey to
Often Confused With
Gibier refers specifically to animals hunted by humans for food or sport. Proie is a broader biological term.
Grammar Patterns
Use with active verbs
Pair 'proie' with verbs like 'chasser' or 'attraper' to sound natural. It helps reinforce the active relationship between hunter and hunted.
Do not confuse with predator
Remember that 'proie' is the one being eaten, while 'prédateur' is the one doing the eating. Mixing these up changes the meaning of your sentence.
Figurative usage in literature
French literature often uses 'proie' metaphorically to describe characters trapped by their own weaknesses or external circumstances.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec le mot correct.
Le lion guette sa ___ dans la savane.
Le lion est le prédateur, l'animal qu'il guette est donc la proie.
Choisissez la bonne définition.
Qu'est-ce qu'une proie ?
La proie est l'animal qui subit la prédation.
Réorganisez les mots.
La / est / souris / la / du / proie / chat.
La structure logique est sujet + verbe + attribut.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsOui, mais uniquement au sens figuré. On dira par exemple qu'une personne est la proie d'un escroc ou la proie de ses émotions.
La proie est un terme biologique général pour tout animal chassé par un prédateur. Le gibier désigne spécifiquement les animaux que les humains chassent pour la nourriture ou le plaisir.
Oui, 'proie' est un nom féminin. Il faut donc utiliser les articles 'la' ou 'une' devant.
Le contraire est 'prédateur', qui désigne l'animal qui chasse la proie.
Related Grammar Rules
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