A hawk represents both a sharp-eyed biological predator and an aggressive political or commercial stance.
30秒词汇
- A predatory bird with sharp vision and strong talons.
- A person favoring aggressive military or political policies.
- To sell goods loudly or aggressively in public.
Overview
The word 'hawk' primarily refers to a group of diurnal birds of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. These birds are celebrated for their predatory skills, particularly their ability to spot small prey from great heights and strike with precision. Beyond biology, 'hawk' has become a powerful metaphor in human language, representing keen observation, aggression, and commercial persistence.
Usage Patterns
As a noun, 'hawk' is most frequently used to identify the bird or to describe a person's political stance (e.g., 'a fiscal hawk' or 'a war hawk'). As a verb, 'to hawk' describes the action of selling goods in a public place, often by calling out to passersby. It can also describe the physical act of clearing one's throat noisily.
Common Contexts
In nature and ornithology, the word is used to categorize various species like the Red-tailed hawk. In political science and journalism, it is used to contrast with 'doves' (those who favor peace). In business history, 'hawkers' were mobile vendors who moved from place to place to sell their items.
Similar Words Comparison
Hawks are often confused with eagles and falcons. Eagles are generally larger and more powerful, often serving as national symbols. Falcons are typically smaller and faster, distinguished by their long, pointed wings and a 'tooth' on their upper beak. Hawks have broader, more rounded wings and are known for their soaring flight patterns. While all are raptors, their hunting styles and habitats differ significantly.
例句
The hawk circled the field, looking for a mouse.
everydayThe hawk circled the field, looking for a mouse.
The administration is full of foreign policy hawks.
formalThe administration is full of foreign policy hawks.
He's always hawking those cheap watches on the corner.
informalHe's always hawking those cheap watches on the corner.
The Buteo genus includes several species commonly referred to as hawks in North America.
academicThe Buteo genus includes several species commonly referred to as hawks in North America.
常见搭配
常用短语
fiscal hawk
someone who wants to cut government spending
hawk one's wares
to sell one's goods
容易混淆的词
Falcons are usually smaller with pointed wings, while hawks are larger with rounded wings.
A hike is a long walk; a hawk is a bird or a person with an aggressive stance.
语法模式
How to Use It
使用说明
The noun 'hawk' is neutral when referring to the bird, but can be slightly derogatory in politics depending on the speaker's own views. The verb 'to hawk' is often used in a slightly informal or old-fashioned sense regarding street commerce.
常见错误
A common mistake is using 'hawk' as a synonym for any large bird; it specifically refers to raptors. Another mistake is using 'hawk' to describe someone who wants peace, which is the opposite of its political meaning.
Tips
Use 'Hawkish' for Adjectival Descriptions
If you want to describe a policy or a person's attitude as aggressive, use the adjective 'hawkish' (e.g., 'a hawkish tone').
Don't Confuse Hawk with Hike
While they sound slightly similar, 'hawk' is a bird or a sale, while 'hike' is a long walk in nature.
The Hawk as a Symbol
In many cultures, the hawk symbolizes guardianship, far-sightedness, and spiritual awareness due to its high flight.
词源
Derived from the Old English 'hafoc', which is related to the word 'habban' (to have or to seize), referring to the bird's ability to grab prey.
文化背景
In American politics, the 'Hawk vs. Dove' distinction became very prominent during the Vietnam War and remains a standard way to describe foreign policy attitudes.
记忆技巧
Remember that a 'Hawk' has 'Hooks' (talons) and 'High' vision. In politics, they 'Hunt' for conflict.
常见问题
4 个问题A hawk favors aggressive action or war to resolve conflicts, while a dove prefers diplomacy and peaceful negotiations.
Yes, it can mean to sell things in the street by shouting, or to clear your throat loudly.
It means to watch someone or something very closely and carefully, usually to catch a mistake or a specific moment.
No, they are different families of birds. Falcons have pointed wings for speed, while hawks have rounded wings for soaring.
自我测试
The president's advisors are mostly ___ who want to increase the military budget.
In politics, 'hawks' are those who favor military strength and aggressive spending.
The vendor spent the afternoon hawking his handmade rugs at the market.
To 'hawk' goods means to offer them for sale, often by calling out to people.
like / her / hawk / watched / a / teacher / the
The idiom 'watch like a hawk' means to observe very closely.
得分： /3
Summary
A hawk represents both a sharp-eyed biological predator and an aggressive political or commercial stance.
- A predatory bird with sharp vision and strong talons.
- A person favoring aggressive military or political policies.
- To sell goods loudly or aggressively in public.
Use 'Hawkish' for Adjectival Descriptions
If you want to describe a policy or a person's attitude as aggressive, use the adjective 'hawkish' (e.g., 'a hawkish tone').
Don't Confuse Hawk with Hike
While they sound slightly similar, 'hawk' is a bird or a sale, while 'hike' is a long walk in nature.
The Hawk as a Symbol
In many cultures, the hawk symbolizes guardianship, far-sightedness, and spiritual awareness due to its high flight.
例句
4 / 4The hawk circled the field, looking for a mouse.
The hawk circled the field, looking for a mouse.
The administration is full of foreign policy hawks.
The administration is full of foreign policy hawks.
He's always hawking those cheap watches on the corner.
He's always hawking those cheap watches on the corner.
The Buteo genus includes several species commonly referred to as hawks in North America.
The Buteo genus includes several species commonly referred to as hawks in North America.
