insect

/'insekt/

Học thuật

Thân thiện

A child watches a colorful insect crawl on a leaf.

Definition

Noun:
- A small invertebrate animal with six legs, a body divided into three parts (head, thorax, abdomen), and typically one or two pairs of wings: This is the primary zoological definition, referring to a member of the class Insecta, a large group of arthropods.
- (Informal, derogatory) A contemptible or insignificant person: This figurative meaning describes a person considered to be unpleasant, unethical, or undeserving of respect.

Usage and Examples

Noun (Zoological):
- An ant is a very common type of insect.
- Butterflies and beetles are both classified as insects.
- The garden is full of beneficial insects like bees.
Noun (Figurative, derogatory):
- After he betrayed his friends, they all thought he was a vile insect.
- Don't listen to that little insect; he's always spreading lies.

Advanced Usage and Notes

The term "insect" is scientifically specific. Not all small crawling creatures are insects (e.g., spiders are arachnids, centipedes are myriapods).
The figurative usage is always pejorative and strong, comparing a person's character to something considered lowly or repulsive.

Variants and Related Words

Synonyms

Bug (n, informal): Commonly used interchangeably with "insect" in casual speech, though scientifically it can refer to a specific order (Hemiptera) or be broader.
Creepy-crawly (n, informal): A general, often childish term for small invertebrates, especially insects and spiders.
Pest (n): An insect or other animal that is destructive or a nuisance.
(For figurative sense) Worm, weasel, snake (n): Other derogatory animal terms for a despicable person.

Idioms and Phrases

To have insects in one's head: To be crazy or have foolish ideas (less common idiom).
- He must have insects in his head if he thinks that plan will work.

A child watches a colorful insect crawl on a leaf.

Noun

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