paw

/pɔ:/

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Word: Paw

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Definition:

1. As a Noun:

   • A "paw" refers to the foot of an animal, especially a four-legged one (like a dog or cat). It usually has claws or pads.
   • Example: "The cat has soft, furry paws."

2. As a Verb:

   • To "paw" means to touch or handle something clumsily, often using your hands or an animal using their paws.
   • Example: "The dog started to paw at the door, wanting to go outside."

Usage Instructions:

• Noun Usage: When you talk about animals, you can use "paw" to describe their feet.

  • Example in a sentence: "The bear has large, powerful paws."

• Verb Usage: Use "paw" when describing an action of touching or scratching, often in a rough or clumsy manner.

  • Example in a sentence: "She pawed through the pile of clothes to find her favorite shirt."

Advanced Usage:

• In a more poetic or figurative sense, "paw" can be used to describe someone who is handling something in a rough or careless way.
  • Example: "He pawed through his emotions, trying to understand what he felt."

Word Variants:

• Pawed (Verb, Past Tense): The past form of "paw" when someone has already touched or handled something clumsily.

  • Example: "She pawed at the cards but couldn't find her lucky one."

• Pawing (Verb, Present Participle): The act of touching or scratching in a clumsy manner.

  • Example: "The kitten is pawing at the string."

Different Meanings:

• Paw (as a Noun): Besides referring to animal feet, it can also be used informally to describe a person's hand, especially when it is large or clumsy.
  • Example: "He has big paws that are perfect for playing the piano."

Synonyms:

• For the noun "paw":

  • Foot
  • Claw
  • Pad (for the bottom part of the paw)

• For the verb "paw":

  • Scrape
  • Swipe
  • Handle clumsily

Idioms & Phrasal Verbs:

• Paw at something: This expression means to touch or scratch something repeatedly and often clumsily.
  • Example: "The child was pawing at the cookie jar, hoping to reach a treat."

Summary:

The word "paw" can be used to describe the feet of animals, especially those that have claws, and as a verb, it can mean to touch something in a rough or clumsy way.

Academic

Noun

1. the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
   • he had the hands of a surgeon
   • he extended his mitt
2. a clawed foot of an animal especially a quadruped

Verb

1. touch clumsily
   • The man tried to paw her
2. scrape with the paws
   • The bear pawed the door

Synonyms

• hand
• manus
• mitt