cave-dweller
Definition
- Noun:
- A prehistoric human: "cave-dweller" refers to a human being, especially from the Stone Age, who lived in caves as their primary shelter.
- A person who lives in a cave: More broadly, any individual who inhabits a cave as a dwelling, either by choice or necessity.
Usage Examples
- (Prehistoric humans who lived in caves.)
- (People who currently live in caves.)
Advanced Usage
"cave-dweller mentality": A figurative expression meaning a primitive, unsophisticated, or reclusive way of thinking.
- His cave-dweller mentality prevents him from embracing modern technology. (He has a primitive or outdated mindset.)
"to be a cave-dweller": Used humorously to describe someone who stays indoors or avoids social interaction.
- After working from home for a year, he became a total cave-dweller. (He rarely leaves his house.)
Variants and Related Words
- Cave dwelling (n): the act or state of living in a cave.
- Cave dwelling was common during the Ice Age. (Living in caves as a lifestyle.)
- Cave-dwelling (adj): describing something that lives or occurs in caves.
- Cave-dwelling bats are sensitive to light. (Bats that inhabit caves.)
Synonyms
- Troglodyte: a person who lives in a cave; also used figuratively for a reclusive or primitive person.
- The troglodyte emerged from the cave only at night. (A cave-dweller.)
- Caveman: a prehistoric human who lived in caves, often depicted as brutish.
- Movies often show cavemen hunting with simple tools. (Prehistoric cave-dwellers.)
Related Idioms
- Out of the cave: to emerge from seclusion or ignorance.
- After years of isolation, she finally came out of the cave. (She became more social or informed.)
- Cave-dweller's life: a simple, unsophisticated existence.
- He prefers a cave-dweller's life, free from modern stress. (A basic, secluded lifestyle.)