cat-like
Definition
Adjective - Resembling or characteristic of a cat: "cat-like" describes qualities, movements, or appearances that are similar to those of a cat, such as agility, stealth, or grace.
Usage Examples
- (Her movements were graceful and stealthy, like a cat.)
- (The dancer showed the agility and poise typical of a cat.)
- (His eyes had a reflective quality or shape similar to a cat's.)
Advanced Usage
- "cat-like reflexes": extremely quick and sharp reactions, comparable to those of a cat.
- The goalkeeper has cat-like reflexes, saving almost every shot. (The goalkeeper reacts very fast.)
- "cat-like tread": a very quiet, careful way of walking.
- The burglar moved with cat-like tread to avoid detection. (He walked stealthily.)
Variants and Related Words
- Cat (n): a small domesticated carnivorous mammal.
- The cat sat on the windowsill. (The animal.)
- Catlike (adj): another spelling of "cat-like", with the same meaning.
- Her catlike grace was admired by all. (Her grace resembled that of a cat.)
Synonyms
- Feline: of or relating to cats; catlike.
- The feline creature moved silently. (The creature was cat-like.)
- Agile: able to move quickly and easily.
- The gymnast is very agile. (She moves with ease.)
- Stealthy: quiet and secretive in movement.
- The spy took a stealthy approach. (He moved quietly.)
Related Idioms
- To have nine lives like a cat: to survive dangerous situations repeatedly.
- After surviving three car accidents, he seems to have nine lives like a cat. (He is very lucky.)
- To let the cat out of the bag: to reveal a secret.
- She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party. (She revealed the secret.)
Phrasal Verbs (None specific to "cat-like")
No phrasal verbs are formed directly with "cat-like." However, verbs related to cats may combine with prepositions, e.g., "to creep like a cat," but these are not standard phrasal verbs.