doglike
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Resembling a dog in appearance, manner, or characteristic: Having qualities, features, or behaviors that are typical of or similar to those of a dog.
- Characterized by dog-like devotion or loyalty: Exhibiting a level of faithfulness, attentiveness, or affection that is reminiscent of the loyalty commonly associated with dogs.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The creature had a doglike snout and pointed ears. (It physically resembled a dog.)
- His doglike devotion to his mentor was evident in his every action. (He showed unwavering, loyal devotion similar to that of a dog.)
- She followed her owner with doglike obedience. (She followed with the characteristic obedience of a dog.)
Advanced Usage
- Used figuratively for unwavering loyalty: Often employed to describe a person's extreme, sometimes unquestioning, fidelity or eagerness to please.
- The assistant's doglike adherence to the CEO's every wish eventually became a weakness.
- Used to describe physical traits or movements: Can describe a posture, gait, or facial structure that is reminiscent of a canine.
- The hyena's doglike build allows it to run for long distances.
Variants and Related Words
- Dogged (adj): This is a different word meaning tenacious, persistent, or stubborn. It is related etymologically but has a distinct meaning focused on determination, not resemblance.
- She continued with dogged determination.
- Canine (adj): Pertaining to or resembling a dog. This is a more formal or biological synonym.
- The fossil showed clear canine teeth.
Synonyms
- Canine: Of, relating to, or resembling a dog.
- Faithful: Loyal, constant (specifically for the devotion sense).
- Devoted: Very loving or loyal (specifically for the devotion sense).
Antonyms
- Disloyal: Not loyal; unfaithful (for the devotion sense).
- Catlike: Resembling a cat (for the physical/mannerism sense).
- Independent: Self-reliant; not needing the approval or guidance of others (contrasting the loyal/devoted sense).
Related Phrases and Idioms
- With doglike fidelity: A phrase emphasizing extreme loyalty.
- He served the family with doglike fidelity for decades.
- Doglike attention: Intense, focused attention, as if waiting for a command or sign.
- The students listened with doglike attention to the visiting expert.
Adjective
- resembling a dog; especially in devotion
- a doglike affection