Neanderthal

C1 8+

Pronunciation: /niˈændərˌθɔl/

Definitions of Neanderthal

noun an extinct species of human that lived in Europe and western Asia during the late Pleistocene period

Example Sentences

A1 Neanderthals lived in Europe thousands of years ago.

A2 Scientists believe Neanderthals were capable of making tools and using fire.

B1 Neanderthals were a species of human that went extinct around 40,000 years ago.

B2 Evidence suggests that Neanderthals may have had their own language and culture.

C1 Neanderthals are often portrayed in popular culture as primitive cavemen, but recent research shows they were more sophisticated than previously thought.

C2 The discovery of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans has led to new insights into our evolutionary history.

adjective relating to or characteristic of Neanderthals

Example Sentences

A1 The Neanderthal tools were simple and effective for their needs.

A2 Scientists have discovered Neanderthal DNA in modern humans.

B1 Some researchers believe Neanderthal culture was more sophisticated than previously thought.

B2 There is ongoing debate about the cognitive abilities of Neanderthals.

C1 Neanderthal artistry is evident in their cave paintings and jewelry.

C2 The Neanderthal genome has provided valuable insights into human evolution.

Examples of Neanderthal in a Sentence

formal Recent archaeological findings suggest that Neanderthals were capable of complex tool-making.

informal I heard that Neanderthals were actually pretty smart for their time.

slang Neanderthals were like the OG humans, you know?

figurative His stubbornness makes him act like a Neanderthal sometimes.

Grammatical Forms of Neanderthal

past tense

Neanderthals existed

plural

Neanderthals

comparative

more Neanderthal

superlative

most Neanderthal

present tense

Neanderthals exist

future tense

Neanderthals will exist

perfect tense

Neanderthals have existed

continuous tense

Neanderthals are existing

singular

Neanderthal

positive degree

Neanderthal

infinitive

to Neanderthal

gerund

Neandering

participle

Neanderthaling

Origin and Evolution of Neanderthal

First Known Use: 1864 year
Language of Origin: German
Story behind the word: The word 'Neanderthal' originates from the Neander Valley in Germany where the first Neanderthal fossils were discovered.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a specific group of prehistoric humans, the term 'Neanderthal' has evolved to also be used as an insult to describe someone who is perceived as primitive or uncivilized.