How Do You Spell PREY?

Pronunciation: [pɹˈe͡ɪ] (IPA)

The word "prey" is spelled with the letters p-r-e-y. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /preɪ/. The "p" sound is pronounced by releasing air with a pop of the lips. The "r" sound is made by vibrating the tongue against the roof of the mouth. The "eɪ" sound is a diphthong, which is a combination of the "e" and "ɪ" sounds. It is pronounced as "ay" like in the word "day." Together, these sounds make up the pronunciation of the word "prey."

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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PREY Meaning and Definition

  1. Prey refers to an animal or organism that is hunted, caught, or consumed by another animal for food. It is a term commonly used in the context of predator-prey relationships in the animal kingdom. The concept of prey encompasses a wide range of creatures, including birds, fish, mammals, and insects, among others.

    In this context, the prey is usually a weaker or less dominant species, which is pursued and ultimately captured or killed by a predator. The predator’s survival and sustenance typically depend on successfully capturing and feeding on its prey. Therefore, the act of hunting and consuming prey is essential for the predator's survival and plays a crucial role in balancing ecosystems.

    The identification of an organism as prey is often based on its vulnerability and suitability as a food source for predators. Certain traits and behaviors, such as size, speed, camouflage, or defensive mechanisms, can affect an organism's likelihood of becoming prey. Additionally, prey may exhibit adaptive behaviors to avoid or deter predators, such as hiding, sprinting, or living in groups.

    The term "prey" is not exclusively restricted to animals and can also be used metaphorically in various contexts to describe individuals or groups that are vulnerable to exploitation, manipulation, or harm from others. In these instances, the concept of prey extends beyond the biological realm and encompasses a broader understanding of vulnerability and victimization.

  2. • That which is or may be seized to be eaten, as by a wild beast; spoil; booty; plunder; ravage.
    • To rob or pillage; to seize and devour; to rest heavily on, as the mind; to waste gradually; to corrode.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for PREY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PREY

Etymology of PREY

The word prey derives from the Old French word preie or praie, which meant booty or spoils of war. It originated from the Late Latin word praeda, meaning plunder or prey, which ultimately came from the Latin word prae, indicating before or forward. The term gradually shifted in meaning to refer specifically to animals pursued and captured by other animals for food, giving us the modern sense of prey.

Idioms with the word PREY

  • be easy prey The idiom "be easy prey" means to be vulnerable or susceptible to danger or attack by others, typically due to being weak, defenseless, or unaware of the potential threat. It refers to someone or something that can be easily taken advantage of or harmed by others.
  • prey on sb's mind The idiom "prey on someone's mind" means that something is troubling or worrying someone continuously and is occupying their thoughts. It refers to a persistent and often intrusive concern or anxiety that consumes a person's mental focus.
  • prey on sth The idiom "prey on sth" means to exploit or take advantage of something or someone, often in a dishonest or harmful manner. It refers to the act of targeting or victimizing someone or something weaker in order to gain an unfair advantage or benefit for oneself.
  • prey on sb To "prey on someone" means to take advantage of or exploit another person, usually in a harmful or deceptive manner. It implies that the person being preyed upon is vulnerable or unsuspecting, and the predator takes advantage of this weakness or innocence for their own gain.
  • prey (up)on sm or sth The idiom "prey (up)on someone or something" means to exploit, take advantage of, or victimize someone or something, typically for personal gain or satisfaction. It implies the act of preying upon someone weaker or vulnerable, like a predator hunting its prey.
  • prey on mind The idiom "prey on mind" refers to a situation or thought that continuously bothers or causes distress to someone. It implies that the person cannot stop thinking about it and it weighs heavily on their mind.
  • prey on somebody’s mind The idiom "prey on somebody’s mind" is used to describe when someone continuously worries, disturbs, or haunts their thoughts or consciousness. It suggests that something is occupying a person's mind, causing them distress or anxiety.
  • fall prey/victim to sth/sb The idiom "fall prey/victim to sth/sb" means to become a target or suffer from the negative influence or actions of something or someone. It suggests being easily affected or harmed by a particular situation or individual.
  • fall prey to (someone or something) The idiom "fall prey to (someone or something)" means to become a victim or target of someone's actions or to be adversely affected or influenced by a particular situation, circumstance, or person. It implies being trapped, deceived, or harmed by something or someone.
  • be/fall prey to sth The idiom "be/fall prey to something" means to become a victim or target of something, usually something harmful or detrimental. It suggests being taken advantage of, manipulated, or trapped by a negative situation, circumstance, or force.
  • fall prey to sb/sth To "fall prey to someone or something" means to become a victim or target of someone or something negative or harmful. It implies being taken advantage of, trapped, or becoming a victim of someone's deception, influence, manipulation, or an unfortunate situation.
  • fall prey to something The idiom "fall prey to something" means to become a victim or to be taken advantage of by a certain situation, person, or circumstance. It implies that someone is unable to resist or avoid the negative influence or effects of something.
  • be/fall prey to something The idiom "be/fall prey to something" means to become a victim or suffer from something harmful, deceitful, or dangerous. It implies being easily influenced, tricked, or affected by a negative situation or circumstance.
  • fall prey to The idiom "fall prey to" means to become a victim or be easily affected or deceived by someone or something negative. It implies succumbing to or being trapped by a negative circumstance, influence, or situation.

Similar spelling words for PREY

Plural form of PREY is PREYS

Conjugate verb Prey

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have preyed
you would have preyed
he/she/it would have preyed
we would have preyed
they would have preyed
I would have prey
you would have prey
he/she/it would have prey
we would have prey
they would have prey

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been preying
you would have been preying
he/she/it would have been preying
we would have been preying
they would have been preying

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would prey
you would prey
he/she/it would prey
we would prey
they would prey

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be preying
you would be preying
he/she/it would be preying
we would be preying
they would be preying

FUTURE

I will prey
you will prey
he/she/it will prey
we will prey
they will prey

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be preying
you will be preying
he/she/it will be preying
we will be preying
they will be preying

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have preyed
you will have preyed
he/she/it will have preyed
we will have preyed
they will have preyed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been preying
you will have been preying
he/she/it will have been preying
we will have been preying
they will have been preying

IMPERATIVE

you prey
we let´s prey

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to prey

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was preying
you were preying
he/she/it was preying
we were preying
they were preying

PAST PARTICIPLE

preyed

PAST PERFECT

I had preyed
you had preyed
he/she/it had preyed
we had preyed
they had preyed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been preying
you had been preying
he/she/it had been preying
we had been preying
they had been preying

PRESENT

I prey
you prey
he/she/it preys
we prey
they prey

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am preying
you are preying
he/she/it is preying
we are preying
they are preying

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

preying

PRESENT PERFECT

I have preyed
you have preyed
he/she/it has preyed
we have preyed
they have preyed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been preying
you have been preying
he/she/it has been preying
we have been preying
they have been preying

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it prey

SIMPLE PAST

I preyed
you preyed
he/she/it preyed
we preyed
they preyed

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