preen
/pri:n/
Definition
- Verb:
- To groom or clean (feathers, fur) with the beak or bill: Used primarily for birds, meaning to smooth and arrange feathers using the beak.
- To dress or groom oneself with elaborate or fussy care: To spend time making oneself look neat and attractive.
- To pride or congratulate (oneself): To feel proud or show self-satisfaction, often with a sense of vanity.
Examples of Usage
- Verb (grooming):
- The swan stopped to preen its feathers after landing on the pond.
- Observing a bird preen is a common sight in nature.
- Verb (self-grooming):
- He would preen in front of the mirror for hours before a date.
- She preened herself carefully for the important job interview.
- Verb (self-congratulation):
- He preened himself on his clever solution to the problem.
- They preened over their victory in the competition.
Advanced Usage
- "to preen oneself on/upon something": To feel or show excessive pride in an achievement or quality.
- She preened herself upon her impeccable taste in art.
Variants and Related Words
- Preening (noun/gerund): The act of grooming or primping.
- The bird's preening was interrupted by a loud noise.
Synonyms
- Groom: To clean and care for the appearance of an animal or oneself.
- Primp: To dress or adorn oneself carefully.
- Plume: (Archaic) To pride (oneself). Also refers to a bird preening its feathers.
Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions
(This word is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meanings are typically expressed directly.)
Related Idioms
- None directly associated with the core meanings of "preen."
Verb
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dress or groom with elaborate care
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She likes to dress when going to the opera
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pride or congratulate (oneself) for an achievement
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clean with one's bill
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The birds preened
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