pachydermous
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a thick skin: The primary meaning relates to the characteristic of having thick skin, literally or figuratively.
- Of or relating to pachyderms: Pertaining to or characteristic of the order of mammals known as pachyderms, which includes elephants, rhinoceroses, and hippopotamuses.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The elephant's pachydermous hide protects it from thorny bushes. (This describes the thick-skinned nature of the animal.)
- His pachydermous attitude allowed him to ignore the harsh criticism. (This is a figurative use, meaning emotionally thick-skinned or insensitive.)
Advanced Usage
- Scientific/Technical Context: Used primarily in zoological or biological descriptions.
- The study focused on the pachydermous properties of the animal's epidermis.
- Figurative/Literary Context: Used to describe a person's character as being insensitive or impervious to insult.
- She developed a pachydermous demeanor after years in the competitive industry.
Variants and Related Words
- Pachyderm (n): A thick-skinned mammal, especially an elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus.
- The zoo's new exhibit features several pachyderms.
- Pachydermatous (adj): A less common variant with the same meaning as 'pachydermous'.
- The pachydermatous layer was remarkably resilient.
Synonyms
- Thick-skinned: Having a thick skin; insensitive to criticism or insult.
- Callous: Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
- Impervious: Not allowing fluid to pass through; unable to be affected by.
Antonyms
- Thin-skinned: Sensitive to criticism or insult.
- Sensitive: Quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences; easily offended or upset.
Notes on Usage
- Formality: This is a formal, specialized, and somewhat rare word. It is more common in scientific writing or sophisticated literary contexts than in everyday conversation.
- Precision: When used in its literal zoological sense, it is precise. Its figurative use is metaphorical and should be used for deliberate effect.
Adjective
- of or relating to or characteristic of pachyderms