Predatory

Pronunciation: /ˈprɛdəˌtɔri/

Definitions of predatory

adjective engaging in or living by predation

Example Sentences

A1 Lions are predatory animals that hunt for food.

A2 Some birds have predatory instincts when searching for prey.

B1 The company engaged in predatory pricing to eliminate competition.

B2 The predatory behavior of the shark was evident as it circled its prey.

C1 The predatory tactics used by the corporation were deemed unethical.

C2 The predatory nature of the serial killer was chilling to behold.

Examples of predatory in a Sentence

formal The company was accused of engaging in predatory pricing practices to drive out competitors.

informal Watch out for that predatory salesperson, he's always trying to upsell you on things you don't need.

slang That guy is so predatory, always preying on vulnerable people for his own gain.

figurative Her predatory instincts kicked in when she sensed a threat approaching.

Grammatical Forms of predatory

• past tense: predated
• plural: predatories
• comparative: more predatory
• superlative: most predatory
• present tense: predates
• future tense: will predate
• perfect tense: has predated
• continuous tense: is predating
• singular: predatory
• positive degree: predatory
• infinitive: to predate
• gerund: predating
• participle: predating

Origin and Evolution of predatory

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'predatory' originated from the Latin word 'praedatorius', which is derived from the verb 'praedari' meaning 'to plunder'.

Evolution of the word: Initially used to describe behavior related to plundering or preying on others, the word 'predatory' has evolved to encompass a wider range of behaviors related to hunting, exploitation, and aggressive pursuit of goals.