The spelling of the word "predatory" is based on the sounds of the English language. It is pronounced as /ˈprɛdətɔːri/. The first syllable "pred" is pronounced as /prɛd/ with a short "e" sound. The second syllable "a" is pronounced as /ə/ with a schwa sound. The third syllable "to" is pronounced as /tɔː/ with a long "o" sound. Finally, the fourth syllable "ry" is pronounced as /ri/ with a short "i" sound. Overall, the word "predatory" is pronounced as "PRED-uh-tawr-ee" in English.
Predatory is an adjective used to describe something or someone that exhibits predatory behavior, which refers to a characteristic or action associated with hunting, preying, or exploiting others for personal gain or advantage. It commonly relates to predatory animals, such as lions or wolves, but it can also be applied to humans or other entities engaging in similar behaviors.
In a broader context, the term "predatory" can refer to any action or practice that is exploitative, oppressive, or capturing something by force or stealth. This can include predatory lending practices, where lenders take advantage of vulnerable borrowers with excessively high interest rates and fees. Moreover, it can be used to describe businesses or corporations that engage in predatory pricing, deliberately undercutting competitors to drive them out of the market and establish monopolies.
Additionally, "predatory" can describe individuals who exhibit manipulative or deceitful behaviors to exploit others emotionally, financially, or physically. This can involve various forms of abuse or coercive tactics, such as in predatory relationships or abusive partnerships.
In summary, "predatory" encompasses a broad range of actions, behaviors, or practices that exploit, prey upon, or harm others in pursuit of personal advantage or gain. It implies the use of force, manipulation, or deception to capture or control resources, individuals, or markets.
• Plundering; pillaging.
• Plundering; pillaging; ravenous.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "predatory" comes from the Latin term "praedatorius", which is derived from the verb "praedari", meaning "to plunder" or "to prey upon". It stems from the noun "praeda", which means "booty" or "prey". The term has been adopted into English, retaining its original meaning, referring to animals or people that hunt, kill, or exploit others for their own gain.