Totem

Pronunciation: /ˈtoʊtəm/

Definitions of totem

noun A carving or image representing such an object or animal.

Example Sentences

A1 A totem is a sacred object in some cultures.

A2 The totem pole represents the family's history and traditions.

B1 The totem animal of the tribe is the wolf.

B2 The totem pole was intricately carved with symbols and animals.

C1 The totemic beliefs of the indigenous people are deeply rooted in their culture.

C2 The totemic system of the clan dictates their social structure and hierarchy.

Examples of totem in a Sentence

formal The totem pole displayed at the museum is a significant artifact of indigenous culture.

informal I love the totem poles in the park, they're so colorful and interesting.

slang That totem pole is lit, bro!

figurative The totem represents the unity and strength of the community.

Grammatical Forms of totem

• past tense: totemed
• plural: totems
• comparative: more totem
• superlative: most totem
• present tense: totem
• future tense: will totem
• perfect tense: have totemed
• continuous tense: am toteming
• singular: totem
• positive degree: totem
• infinitive: to totem
• gerund: toteming
• participle: totemed

Origin and Evolution of totem

First Known Use: 1760 year

Language of Origin: Ojibwe

Story behind the word: The word 'totem' originates from the Ojibwe language of Native American tribes in North America.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a natural object or animal believed by a clan or family to have spiritual significance and serve as a symbol of their lineage. Over time, the term has been adopted more broadly to refer to any symbol or emblem representing a group or individual.