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Best Simile vs. Metaphor Guide With Easy Examples

Two panels. First panel header reads simile. It shows a young man busy as a bee in front of his laptop. Second panel header reads metaphor. It shows a baby bear in diapers. Additional text reads "My nephew is a cuddly baby bear."

Main Simile vs. Metaphor Takeaways:

  • A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison using “like” or “as.”
  • Metaphors are also a figure of speech that makes a comparison, but they don’t use “like” or “as.”
  • Writers use both similes and metaphors to paint a literary picture, evoke emotions, and make text more descriptive.
  • Some consider metaphors stronger than similes because metaphors are more direct.
  • Turn a simile into a metaphor by simply removing “as” or “like” and any attached phrasing.
Simile:Her skin was like silk.
Metaphor:Her skin was silk.
Simile:Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.
Metaphor:The eyes arethe windows to the soul.
Two panels. First panel header reads simile. It shows a young man busy as a bee in front of his laptop. Second panel header reads metaphor. It shows a baby bear in diapers. Additional text reads "My nephew is a cuddly baby bear."
Writers use both similes and metaphors to paint a literary picture, evoke emotions, and make text more descriptive.

What’s the Difference Between a Simile vs. Metaphor?

Just one word accounts for the difference between a simile vs. metaphor. Both metaphors and similes are figures of speech we use to make comparisons. The difference between them is that a simile uses the words “like” or “as” to make an indirect comparison (fast as lightning) while a metaphor makes a direct comparison without using “like” or “as” (the classroom was a zoo).

Simile:After Thanksgiving dinner, the entire family sprawled on the floor like a pod of beached whales.
Metaphor:After Thanksgiving dinner, the entire family was a pod of beached whales sprawled on the floor.

The word simile comes from the Latin word simis, meaning “like.”

This makes perfect sense because we know that all similes use the words “like” and “as” to show that one thing resembles another.

For example, do you remember fax machines?

The everyday term “fax” is actually short for facsimile, which is another word for copy. The document you receive is a facsimile, or a reproduction, of the original document. The facsimile is not identical to the original, but it looks a lotlike it.

The baby was quiet as a mouse.
Be careful, his sister will scream like a banshee if she doesn’t get her way.
After so many years apart, his love for her withered like grapes on the vine.

🕵️ How to Spot a Simile:

  • Uses “like” or “as” to draw a comparison
  • Emphasizes an interesting characteristic or creates a vivid description
  • Often used in explanations to help make an unfamiliar idea easier to picture or understand
  • Is an effective way to suggest a feeling or emotion

On the other hand, the word metaphor comes from the Greek verb metapherein, meaning “to transfer.”

In this way, you can think of a metaphor as a phrase that directly transfers meaning without needing to use a “like” or “as.”

Moreover, the prefix meta also comes from Greek. Since it means beyond or after, we usually use it to describe things that are comprehensive or self-contained.

Similarly, a metaphor‘s meaning is completely self-contained in the phrase— it doesn’t need any help from a “like” or an “as” to make its meaning clear.

Her smile is a flash of sunshine on a gray day.
The powdered sugar was a layer of freshly-fallen snow over the cookies.

🕵️ How to Spot a Metaphor:

  • Doesn’t use “like” or “as”
  • Compares things that aren’t alike but share some similarities
  • Often dramatic or exaggerated
A woman professor explaining the difference between simile and metaphor. Similes use the words like or as to describe something but metaphors don't. A metaphor compares unlike things without the use of like or as. It takes the form of a direct statement.
Some people find metaphors to be stronger than similes because they make a more direct comparison.

Why use Similes and Metaphors?

We use similes and metaphors because these figures of speech turn ordinary prose into descriptive text that can better capture your reader’s attention. For example, metaphors and similes can evoke emotions like happiness and fear. What’s more, they help describe appearances or personalities in full color and rich detail. Additionally, they help show your unique voice and writing style. Used correctly, a metaphor or simile can help writers create a world and then share it with their audience.

Instead of choosing between a simile vs. metaphor, use them both to flex your creative muscles.

👍 Benefits of Using Similes and Metaphors:

  • Make writing more interesting and engaging to readers
  • Invoke emotion
  • Enrich descriptions with details
  • Explain your ideas more effectively
  • Show your creativity and unique writing style

My favorite quotation also happens to be a metaphor, and I think it sums up this argument nicely:

“Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting with the gift of speech.”

― Simonides

To create an extended metaphor of my own (more on these later): If words are our paint brushes, then similes and metaphors are our colors and our brush strokes.

What are Examples of Metaphors vs. Similes?

Both metaphors and similes are used to make comparisons. They’re a handy way to help your readers understand your vision of a character, scene, or situation. Metaphors are more direct and use words like “is” and “was” to draw a correlation between two things. Similes use the words “like” and “as” for a more indirect way to make a similar correlation. To truly understand the difference between a simile vs. metaphor, it’s best to look at some examples.

Here are examples of a simile vs. metaphor in a sentence:

Simile:Harry’s as funny as a clown.
Metaphor:Harry’s a clown.
Simile:Vanessa danced like she was floating on air.
Metaphor:Vanessa was floating on air.
Two panels. First panel shows two young man labeled as simile and like doing a high five. Second panel shows a young man and a woman holding hands. The man is labeled metaphor and the woman 'is.'
Both metaphors and similes are figures of speech we use to make comparisons.

What is an Example of a Metaphor in a Sentence?

Here are examples of a metaphor in a sentence:

Tanya is an early bird and always gets up before dawn.
In a play full of ho-hum actors, Winston is a shining star.
All Mr. Roger’s neighbors said he had a heart of gold.
My Grandpa is a bit ornery, but my Grandma is an angel.
My history teacher is a total fox.
It took an army of accountants to straighten out the company’s finances.
My idea may be just a Band-Aid, but at least it will buy us some time.

What is an Example of a Simile in a Sentence?

Here are examples of a simile in a sentence:

When the reporter sensed a good story, he was like a dog with a bone.
He’s as happy as a clam.
Snow White’s lips were as red as a rose.
Barry and Anita love each other, but they fight like cats and dogs.
After such a long day, I know I’m going to sleep like a baby.
Molly forgot her coat and was as cold as a polar bear on a winter day.

Is a Metaphor Stronger Than a Simile?

Some consider a metaphor to be stronger than a simile because it makes a more direct comparison (something is vs. something is like something else). This slight yet important difference can alter the tone and impact of your writing. For example, the metaphor“Paul is a tiger” compares Paul’s animalistic nature to an actual tiger. On the other hand, the simile “Paul is like a tiger” carries the same meaning as “Paul is a tiger” but it feels less emphatic. Mostly, similes and metaphors are as strong as you make them.

A guys showing examples of similes and metaphors.
Similes and metaphors are both figures of speech. A simile makes comparison using like or as. A metaphor makes comparison without using like or as.

Types of Metaphors

There are four main types of metaphors: standard, implied, visual and extended. However, there are other types of metaphors that are best to avoid, such as dead and mixed metaphors.

Types of Metaphors Include:

  • Standard
  • Complex
  • Implied
  • Visual
  • Dead
  • Mixed
  • Extended

Standard

Metaphors can be straightforward comparisons that draw a straight line between two objects. The goal is to use an exaggerated, unrealistic comparison for dramatic effect.

For instance, “Life is a highway.” Clearly life is not a trip down the I-95, but you can understand the author’s intent.

Complex

While metaphors and similes can be complex ways of sharing your ideas with readers, they are not meaningless jargon.

On the contrary, these figures of speech can help you express complex thoughts in a clear, elegant, and creative way.

Notwithstanding, some authors and poets use intentionally complex metaphors. This might be a way to provoke readers to reflect or inspire readers to think in a different way.

Implied

Sometimes metaphors are implied. Rather than say “The captain sounded like a dog,” you might say, “The captain barked orders at his crew.” You never even mention the word dog and yet all your readers know exactly what you’re implying.

Visual

Metaphors can also be much more creative. For example, poets and fiction writers often use visual metaphors to help readers imagine, or visualize, the idea or object the author wants to describe.

For instance, in “Fear,”Sophie Tunnel wrote, “Fear is a slinking cat I find/Beneath the lilacs of my mind.”

Dead

This kind of metaphor is dead because it doesn’t make any sense.

Think about it this way: if metaphors and similes help bring descriptions to life with meaning, dead metaphors do the opposite. They confuse the reader or aren’t clear.

Mixed

Avoid mixing metaphors. Metaphors are a tool that help us express ourselves more clearly, but mixing metaphors can create confusion.

They need to get all of their ducks in a row and start organizing these kids instead of just shuffling them around from room to room.

The above example mixes a metaphor about ducks with an implied one about cards (shuffling). While this metaphor does add detail and color to the author’s point, it also makes the sentence complicated and potentially unclear.

Extended

Lastly, there is the extended metaphor. These literary devices aren’t so much a figure of speech as an entire paragraph or even a page of text that builds a descriptive comparison line by line.

In other words, they extend past the confines of one sentence (much like my metaphor that built on Simonides’ above). What’s more, they may even stretch as far as the length of an entire book, opera, or play.

How do you Turn a Simile Into a Metaphor?

One simple way to turn a simile into a metaphor is to remove “like” or “as.” For example, turn the indirect simile “She’s strong as an ox” into the direct metaphor “She’s a strong ox” by removing the word “as.” It’s important to note that the transformation is not always this simple. You may need to change the metaphor’s phrasing to make sure you preserve the original simile’s meaning (He roared like a lion/He spoke in a lion’s roar).

📝Remember, we can easily identify similes because they always use “like” or “as” to draw comparisons. Conversely, metaphors never do.

What is a Simile, Metaphor, and Idiom?

There is some overlap between a simile, metaphor, and idiom but there are clear differences. For example, both similes and metaphors draw comparisons. However, similes use “as” or “like” while metaphors don’t. Next, an idiom is a phrase that means something different than what its words literally say. For instance, “raining cats and dogs” means it’s raining hard, not that pets are actually falling from the sky. Idioms are tricky because their meanings are learned rather than deduced.

Simile:The pillow was as hard as a rock.
Metaphor:Laughter is the best medicine.
Idiom:The test was a piece of cake.

Similes vs. metaphors and idioms— it’s important to know what each of these terms mean, but it’s more important to use them. Spice up your writing with a smattering of literary devices, and you may find yourself (and your readers) as happy as a lark.

How Well do you Know the Difference Between a Simile vs. Metaphor?

Simile vs. Metaphor Question #1

____ is a figure of speech that makes a comparison using “like” or “as.”
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is SIMILE. Although metaphors also make a comparison, they don’t use “like” or “as.”

Metaphors Question #2

Which of the following statements is false?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is B. Similes make comparisons using “like” or “as.”

Simile or Metaphor Question #3

Select the correct option. Molly is as busy as a bee.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is SIMILE. Similes are less direct than metaphors and use “as” or “like” to make comparisons.

Metaphor or Simile Question #4

Select the correct option. All the world’s a stage.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is METAPHOR. Metaphors use an exaggerated, unrealistic comparison for dramatic effect.

Simile vs. Metaphor Question #5

Select the correct option. Math is like a puzzle that never ends.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is SIMILE. Similes are less direct than metaphors and use “as” or “like” to make comparisons.

Metaphor Question #6

Which of the following is a type of metaphor?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is D. Other types of metaphors include visual, dead, mixed, and extended.

Simile and Metaphor Question #7

Similes can be transformed into metaphors.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is TRUE. To turn a simile into a metaphor, remove “like” or “as.

Simile vs. Metaphor Quiz Result
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Read More: What is a Gerund Phrase and Example

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Fiancée or Fiancé: How to Use Each Properly

Fiancee or fiance? Two panels. First panel shows a ring designed with a woman's gender symbol in pink background. Second panel shows a ring with a man's gender symbol in blue background.

Main Fiancée or Fiancé Takeaways:

Fiancee or fiance? Two panels. First panel shows a ring designed with a woman's gender symbol in pink background. Second panel shows a ring with a man's gender symbol in blue background.
A fiancé is a man who is engaged to be married. Meanwhile, a fiancée is a woman who is engaged to be married.

Is it Fiancée or Fiancé?

Use fiancé (with one ‘e‘ at the end) for a male who is engaged to be married, but you should use fiancée (two ‘e‘s at the end) for a woman who is engaged to be married. Therefore, the difference between the spellings fiancé and fiancée is gender. This is because English borrowed these two words from French, which commonly uses separate word endings to differentiate between equivalent masculine and feminine words.

Two Easy Ways to Remember the Difference

💍 Trick #1: “E” is for Engagement (Extra Ring, Extra “E”)

For the actual wedding, the bride and groom exchange similar rings called wedding bands. However, for the engagement, only the female receives an engagement ring.

Therefore, you can associate the “e” in engagement with the extra “e” in fiancée. The woman engaged to be marriedgets an extra ring. In the same way, the feminine word for a woman engaged to be married gets an extra “e.”

👰 Trick #2: Extra “E,” Extra “E”-legant

An easy way to remember the difference is to associate that bonus “e” in the feminine fiancée with “elegant”.

This is because a woman is extra elegant on her wedding day (Extra elegant = ee = fiancée).

How Do You Say Fiancé and Fiancée?

Say fiancé and fiancée in exactly the same way (fee-ON-say). However, in their original French, the pronunciation places the emphasis on the final syllables instead of the second one. For example, the acute accent over the only “e” in fiancé and the second “e” in fiancée let you know where to put the emphasis.

👂 In terms of pronunciation, fiance and fianceesound exactly the same.

Does Fiancé Work Both Ways?

Technically, fiancédoes not work both ways. Traditionally, the correct term for a male engaged to be married is fiancé (with one “e“) while an engaged woman would be the fiancée (with two “e“s). The reason is because these two nouns originate from a French verb meaning to promise. Since French also uses different word endings to indicate a word’s gender, the English words inherited male and female forms. However, both versions are pronounced the same way (fee-on-say).

What Does the Fiancé Mean?

The fiancémeans the future husband. In other words, when a male (or a person identifying as a male) gets engaged, we call him the fiancé. Both fiancé and the feminine version, fiancée, come from the French word “fiancer” meaning “to betroth.” It’s also tied to similar French words like“fier” (“to trust”) and the Latin word “fidus” (“faithful”). Interestingly, people in the 16th and 17th centuries used fiancé as a verb meaning “to engage to be married.“

It’s great to call Ben myfiancé, but I can’t wait to make him my husband.
Natalia’sfiancéworks downtown as a tutor.
Chris and his fiancéare planning a destination wedding in Lake Como.
Myfiancé, Eric, gave me his mother’s ring when he proposed.
I invited Bertha and herfiancéto dinner, so please set out a couple extra plates.

What is a Girl Called After Engagement?

A girl or woman who got engaged can be referred to as the fiancée with an extra e. Fiancée is an old French word that means “a promise.” It was derived from the Latin term fidere, which in turn means “trust.”Fiancée was introduced and later adopted into the English language in the mid 19th century.

As in the case with many French words, like blonde and blond, fiancée is gender specific. Meaning, you can only use it to refer to a particular gender — an engaged woman. Here’s how to use the word fiancée properly in a sentence:

He got engaged and moved into a new apartment with his fiancée.
She’s Michael’s fiancée, not his wife. So, she’ll only be able to use his last name legally after they’re married.
His fiancée is excited to plan their wedding.

Is He My Fiancée or Fiancé?

He is your fiancé. This is because a man who is engaged to be married is the fiancé while a woman is the fiancée. These two nouns come from a French verb that means to promise (think of the engagement and accompanying ring as the man’s promise to the woman). And, French is a language that assigns different word endings depending on gender.

Myfiancé, Frankie, is the funniest guy I’ve ever met.

John, myfiancée, is well-known for his dad jokes.

Alexander told hisfiancéethat she could pick out the wedding cake since she’s the one with the sweet tooth.

Mira, Alexander’sfiancé, spent all day tasting wedding cakes.

While both fiancéand fiancée are used widely in English-speaking countries, both words were originally French.
When someone that identifies as female is engaged to be married, she is called the fiancee. An image of a woman's left hand showing her engagement ring.
Fiancée is the feminine version of fiancé and reserved for females who are engaged.

Is Fiancé for Male or Female?

Fiancé is for the male, not the female. On one hand, fiancé is the masculine version, meaning it refers to an engaged male. On the other hand, fiancée is the feminine version and reserved for females who are engaged. Essentially, the only difference between them is their gendered spelling (from their French origin). They’re pronounced the same way (fee-on-SAY).

What is the Difference Between a Girlfriend and a Fiancée?

In English, the main difference between a girlfriend and a fiancée is an engagement to be married. First, a girlfriend is a female you are dating. This might be a casual relationship just starting off or a more serious one years in the making. However, say you decide your girlfriend is “the one,” you to ask her to marry you, and give her an engagement ring. If she accepts your proposal, then she goes from being your girlfriend to becoming your fiancée.

What to Call Your Female Partner, When:

  • 👩 Girlfriend (before the engagement): a female you are dating, but are not engaged to marry.
  • 💍 Fiancée (after the engagement, but before the wedding): the woman you are engaged to marry.
  • 👰 Wife (after the wedding): the woman you are married to.

What Do I Call My Boyfriend When We are Engaged?

Once you’re engaged, your boyfriend becomes your fiancé. You can use this term from the moment he proposes and you accept (or vice versa!) until you both say “I do”. However, you are his fiancée. The slight difference in spelling stems from their French origins. In fact, French spelling conventions assign different word endings based on the word’s gender (one “e” for males and two “e“s for females). Despite this small difference, pronounce both the same way.

John proposed last night, so now I get to introduce him as myfiancé!
First he was my boyfriend, now myfiancé, and in three weeks he’ll be my husband.
I’ve never met Nate’sfiancée, but I hear he’s a real sweetheart.

How Do You use Fiancé and Fiancée in a Sentence?

Use fiancé to refer to a man who is engaged to be married (My fiancé is the man of my dreams). However, if you’re referring to an engaged woman, use the word fiancée instead (I met myfiancéein college, but she didn’t agree to go out with me until after graduation).

Here are examples of how to use fiancé and fiancée in a sentence:

Everyone, I’d like to introduce my dear friend, Tony, and his lovely fiancée, Lauren.
It’s so strange going from calling you my boyfriend to my fiancé just like that!
Interestingly, the root of both French words fiancé and fiancée is the Latin fidus, meaning faithful.
I’m so excited to marry Margaret even though I’ll kind of miss calling her myfiancée.
Put me down for a plus one. I’ll be bringing Jack, myfiancé.
Myfiancéeis a former Miss USA and an accomplished chemical engineer.
Mercedes told herfiancéthat he had to choose their honeymoon destination because she couldn’t decide.
I’m bringing myfiancéehome for the holidays. I hope she loves my family as much as I do.
It’s my first Christmas with afiancé, and I can’t wait to see what he gets me.

Does Fiance Have two “E’s”?

The word for a female who is engaged to be married is fiancée (with two “e“s). Conversely, use fiancé (with one “e“) for males who are engaged to be married. Notwithstanding the slightly different spellings, pronounce both words the same way (fee-on-SAY).

Common Fiancé and Fiancée Misspellings

  • Finance
  • Finace
  • Financee
  • Fiansay
  • Fiancce

Thankfully, wife and husband are much easier to remember!

Let’s Test how Adept you are now at Using Fiancé and Fiancée

Fiancée or Fiancé Question #1

A cartoon Girl front Of White Board with information
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. Both words are reserved for someone who is engaged to be married.

Fiancé or Fiancée Question #2

_____ refers to a man who has gotten engaged and plans to get married.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is A. Fiancé is reserved for males who are engaged to be married.

Fiancé and Fiancée Question #3

_____ refers to a woman who is engaged to be married.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is B. You can associate the extra “e” in fiancée with engagement (extra ring, extra “e”).

Fiancée or Fiancé Question #4

In the 16th and 17th century, fiancé was used as a _____.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is B. Fiancé was used as a verb meaning “to engage to be married.”

Fiancé and Fiancée Question #5

Fiancé and fiancée have the same pronunciation.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is TRUE. Both words are pronounced the same way: “fee-ON-say.”

Fiancée or Fiancé Quiz Result
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Read More: Is it Mrs. or Ms. or Miss? How to Address Women With Respect

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Octopi or Octopuses? Here's the Correct Octopus Plural

Octopus plural. Left panel shows and octopus. Right panel shows three octopuses.

Is it octopi or octopuses? That confusion ends now. We’ll dig into why octopuses is the correct plural of octopus. Does it sound weird? Sure. Are you slightly afraid to say it in polite company? Probably. But that doesn’t make it any less correct. We’ll also explain why the two irregular plurals for my favorite cephalopod even exist.

Main Octopus Plural Takeaways:

  • The correct plural of octopus is octopuses.
  • Irregular octopus plurals include octopi and octopodes. These may be acceptable in some dictionaries, but octopuses is always correct.
  • Octopi follows Latin rules for making words plural but octopodes follows Greek pluralization rules.
  • This is because octopus is actually a Latinized Greek word, which accounts for a lot of the octopus plural confusion.
There were five tanks ofoctopusesat the aquarium.
Octopusesare incredibly intelligent yet solitary creatures.
I was terrified of octopuses when I was little, but they’re my favorite animal now.
Even though it’s not technically correct, as a Latin expert, I prefer to say octopi over octopuses.

Octopusesmay be correct, but it sounds weird. I’m going to sayoctopodesinstead.The word is Greek anyway, right?

Octopus plural. Left panel shows and octopus. Right panel shows three octopuses.
Octopi, octopuses, and octopodes are all acceptable plural forms of the word octopus.

What is the Correct Plural of Octopus?

The correct plural of octopus is octopuses. Although this word has ancient Latin and Greek roots, it’s an English word that follows normal English pluralization rules for words ending in “s.” There are technically three octopus plurals: octopi, octopodes, and octopuses. The first two come from Latin and Greek respectively, both of which are tied to the origins of the word octopus. The last option, octopuses, is the preferred pluralization in English.

So, can you say octopuses or is that even a word? Yes, and yes. That’s because it follows grammar rules suggesting that nouns ending in -s switch to an -es ending when pluralized.

Other similar plurals include:

  • Gas becomes gases
  • Bus becomes buses
  • Lens becomes lenses
  • Grass becomes grasses
  • Loss becomes losses

(As with practically all things in English grammar, there are some exceptions to this rule.)

Why is it Octopuses and not Octopi?

Grammatically speaking, the correct plural form of the word octopus is octopuses. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the term octopi was formed based on the belief that Latin singular words ending in ‘us’ must end in the letter ‘i’ (e.g. fungus-fungi, stimulus-stimuli, cactus-cacti).

Technically speaking, octopus is of Greek origin, not Latin. But, it was in the New Latin language before being introduced to English. So, following octopus’s origin, some people would argue that its correct plural form should be octopodes (Greek) and not octopi.

But, if you are to choose between octopi or octopuses, always choose octopuses. Notwithstanding octopus’s ancient roots, it is technically a modern English word. Meaning, it must follow English pluralization rules.

Is Octopus Latin or Greek?

The word octopus is both Latin and Greek. In fact, it’s technically a Latinized form of a Greek word to describe a creature with eight legs (ὀκτώ or okto, meaning eight + πούς or pous, meaning foot). The word was then Latinized to form octopus.

❓ Why 3 Octopus Plurals Exist:

  • Some experts felt the plural of octopus should match the word’s origins.
  • The problem is that octopus has both Greek and Latin roots. How do you choose which convention to follow?
  • Since the modern word is English, we follow English pluralization rules. Therefore, octopuses is the most correct option.
A sea diver with two octopuses. He's saying "Wow! Never thought I'd see two octopuses!"
The most widely accepted name for a group of octopuses is a consortium.

What is the Irregular Plural for Octopus?

The correct plural of octopus is octopuses, but irregular plural forms for octopus are octopi and octopodes. These irregular octopus plurals come from the word’s Latin and Greek roots. For example, our modern English word octopus comes from ancient Greek roots that describe a creature with eight legs (ὀκτώ or okto, meaning eight + πούς or pous, meaning foot). The word was then Latinized to form octopus. As such, octopodes follows Greek pluralization rules. Conversely, octopi follows Latin pluralization rules.

These odes to the word’s ancient roots in the form of irregular octopus plurals are understandable. And, even interesting.

However, at the end of the day, octopus is now an English word. As such, it follows English grammar rules.

🐙 Greek Origins of the Word Octopus:

  • ὀκτώ = okto = eight
  • πούς = pous = foot
  • ὀκτώπούς (oktopous) ➡️ octopus

While octopuses would be the assumed plural, some people use octopi or octopodes. Both of those are correct but highly irregular. These outliers can cause writers of all ages to have absolute fits. Just when you think you’ve got the hang of the English language, it throws a curveball. Some examples of irregular plurals are aircraft/aircraft (instead of aircrafts) and antenna/antennae (instead of antennas). And yes, octopus is included in that group too!

📝 An irregular plural is a plural that doesn’t conform to the grammatical standard.

What is the Name for a Group of Octopuses?

The most widely accepted name for a group of octopuses is a consortium. Other terms include tangle or clutch, but clutch is actually only proper when referring to a group of octopus eggs. It’s important to note that octopuses are usually solitary creatures that prefer to live alone. For this reason, there really isn’t an established name for a group of octopuses on the same level as a herd of cattle or murder or crows.

I’ve always wanted to see a consortium ofoctopuses, but IDK if that’ll ever happen.
Paul the Octopus always wanted to live in a consortium, but never had any luck finding a roommate.
Given that some people call a group ofoctopusesa tangle, it’s probably a good thing those long-armed creatures don’t travel in herds.
📝 The word octopus first appeared in 1758 in reference to the many-armed mollusks you find in the sea.

When did Octopi Become Octopuses?

Because ‘octopi‘ is a plural based on Latin grammar rules, you’d be forgiven for thinking it predates the plural octopuses. You would not, however, be correct. In reality, the English language adopted the word octopus in the mid-1700s. Because English nouns ending in -s are switched to -es when made plural, octopus became octopuses. It wasn’t until the 1900s that grammarians looked at the Latinized Greek origins of octopus and decided the plural of octopus should be octopi instead.

Three panels showing octopuses in pink, yellow, and purple color. First panel text reads octopi with a red X mark below it. Second panel text reads octopuses with a green check mark below. Third panel text reads octopodes with a green check mark below.
Octopi follows Latin rules for making words plural while octopodes follows Greek pluralization rules. Octopuses is the preferred pluralization in English.

Octopus Plural Timeline:

  • 1750s: The word octopus enters the English language. As such, the plural of octopus follows English grammar rules (octopus; octopuses).
  • 1900s: Victorian-era grammarians argue that since the word octopus comes from Latinized Greek, it should follow Latin grammar rules for plurals. As a result, the irregular plural octopi starts to appear in some dictionaries.
Althoughoctopusesis the properEnglish plural for octopus,octopiis an irregular plural that some prefer.
Whether you call themoctopioroctopuses, they’re delicious all the same!
My professor swears thatoctopiis theplural of octopus.He’s technically wrong, but I’m not going to be the one to speak up.

Let’s see how Well you Know Octopus Plural in the Quiz Below

Octopus Plural Question #1

Which of these is a technically correct plural for “octopus”?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is D. All of these are acceptable ways to spell the plural for octopus.

Octopi or Octopuses Question #2

Pluralization For Octopus In English
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. Grammar rules suggest that nouns ending in “-s” switch to an “-es” ending when pluralized.

Plural of Octopus Question #3

The word “octopus” comes from a Latinized Greek word.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is TRUE. That’s why some grammar experts argue that the plural form should follow Latin grammar rules (octopi).

Octopus Plural Question #4

______ is the most widely accepted term for a group of octopuses.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is D. “Clutch” is only acceptable when referring to a group of octopus eggs.

Octopus Plural Question #5

The word “octopus” first appeared in the English language in 1958.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FALSE. The word “octopus” first appeared in 1758 to describe many-armed mollusks you find in the sea.

Octopus Plural Quiz Result
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Read More: Possum vs. Opossum: Definitely Different Animals

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IDK Meaning & How to Look Cool Using This Abbreviation

IDK means I don't know. A man shrugging his shoulders.

Main IDK Meaning Takeaways:

  • IDKmeans I don’t know.
  • IDK is an abbreviation people commonly use in informal speech like texts and chats.
  • Most often, you’ll see IDK in all capital letters.
  • This abbreviation doesn’t need any punctuation.
  • IDEK is similar to IDK, but it means I don’t even know.
  • IDC means I don’t care.
IDKif this is a good idea.
“Sam sent his friend several scrumptious taco pics and said,”IDKwhich one to get.”
Sorry,IDKwhat I want for dinner.

When you know, you know…but when you don’t, you can say IDK. When texting, you can use IDK as a shortened form of the phrase I don’t know. See when it’s most appropriate to use this phrase and how to do it best.

IDK Meaning:I don’t know
IDK means I don't know. A man shrugging his shoulders.
IDK is the shortened form of the full phrase “I don’t know.”

What Does IDK Mean?

IDK stands for “I don’t know.” It is one of the many popular abbreviations referred to as textese. If you are not familiar with it, textese is a form of abbreviated written or typed language associated with digital communication (e.g. mobile messaging, online chat, etc.).

You may use IDK as a response to a question you don’t know the answer to, or to start a sentence that expresses doubt. Regardless, this abbreviation is best suited for casual conversations and not professional or formal settings.

How to Look Cool When you use IDK

Texters often spell IDK in all caps, but you can also write the word in lowercase letters. Avoid using periods or other punctuation.

IDK
idk
I.D.K.
i.d.k.

The Best way to use IDK:

  • Write it, don’t say it. Use this abbreviation in casual written exchanges like texts and chats.
  • Use the full phrase “I don’t know” when speaking.
  • Opt for all capital letters.
  • Don’t use punctuation like periods between each letter.
  • Use it as a response or to start a sentence when you want to express doubt.
  • Pair this abbreviation with an emoji like the shrug 🤷 or thinking face 🤔.

Is IDK an Answer?

IDK mostly functions as an answer in casual conversations like chats or texts. Since IDK is an abbreviation for the phrase “I don’t know,” you can use IDK wherever you would respond with the full phrase (“Which film did you like best?” “IDK, it’s hard to choose. They were all fantastic!“). Beyond an answer, you can also use this abbreviation to start a sentence that expresses doubt (“IDK where I left my keys!”). Whether responding to a specific question or generally expressing uncertainty, use IDK to show you aren’t sure about something.

Yeah,IDKif that’s true or not.
Does he like me?IDK.
IDKwhy Micah lets his kids get away with so much.

IDK works best when you’re having a casual chat with someone via text or email. It isn’t appropriate for formal conversations.

You can also use IDK on social media. The abbreviation often makes an appearance on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

IDK is I don't know. A shrugging emoji.
The chat/text jargon IDK is usually paired with a shrug 🤷‍♀️ or thinking face 🤔 emoji.

Is IDK Rude?

IDK isn’t necessarily rude, but it can come off that way depending on your intention and the context. For example, imagine someone has taken the time to explain a complicated situation and ask for your opinion. Considering their time and energy, responding with just these three letters may seem too short, blunt, or downright rude. What’s more, it may come off as a disinterested or even annoyed response.

Additionally, it’s best to consider the context. This abbreviation isn’t an insult, but a formal conversationalist may find it rude. This may be due to the fact that textspeak like IDK is best suited for casual conversations, such as messages between friends or family.

This is also true for popular terms like IDC, LOL, and IKR.

What Do IDK and IDC Mean?

IDK means I don’t know, and IDC means I don’t care. These abbreviations mostly appear in casual conversations online. For example, you can find IDK and IDC in texts, emails, and social media messages. IDK and IDC are not interchangeable. Both can function as a response. However, IDK expresses doubt and is not necessarily rude. On the other hand, IDC expresses apathy and may seem rude depending on the speaker’s tone and intention.

Does IDC Mean I Don’t Know?

IDC doesn’t mean “I don’t know.” Rather, it means “I don’t care.” On the other hand, IDK means “I don’t know.” Both are abbreviations, meaning each letter stands for the first letter of each word in the complete phrase.

What Does IDEK Mean?

IDEK means “I don’t even know.” Like its shorter cousin IDK (I don’t know), English speakers use this phrase to express doubt. This phrase is often sent when someone is frustrated or annoyed. Interestingly, you should be careful about putting IDEK in a Venmo transaction text field since it might set off the platform’s anti-terrorism protocols. This is because IDEK is also the acronym for a Bangladesh-based radical Islamic group (Islami Dawat-e-Kafela) that was labeled an international terrorist organization in 2008.

I mean,IDEKhow Ms. Peterson had the audacity to say that to you.
IDEKwhy you felt that comment was appropriate, but it’s not.
Ugh,IDEKwhy I rushed through that project just for it to sit on my client’s desk for weeks.
IDEKwhy I bothered studying all night since I just failed this test anyway.
Text message between two friends. First message reads: Is your new friend coming to the beach with us? I'll bring an extra towel. The response reads: IDK. Maybe I'll try to call her again.
Only use the abbreviation IDK in casual text and chat conversations.

What Does a Girl Mean by IDK?

When a girl responds with IDK, she’s saying she doesn’t know something. This abbreviation is often used as an answer to a question. You can also begin a statement with IDK.

IDKwhy you’re like this.
IDKif I should call in sick to work today.

Here are examples of how to flawlessly use IDK:

Yeah,IDKwhere we should go for our next date night. Whatever you want to do is fine.
“IDKwhy you act like this every time we visit your family,” Stella angrily texted her husband.

How do you Pronounce IDK?

You can pronounce IDK by saying each letter individually: I-D-K. This word usually isn’t used in verbal conversations. However, you may occasionally hear someone say IDK as a joke or to be facetious.

IDK Pronunciation:eye-dee-kay

Give your fingers a break and type IDK next time someone asks you a question. IDEK also works if you’re voicing frustration or have no idea how to respond, but just think twice before using it in Venmo.

Have you Mastered the IDK Meaning?

IDK Question #1

Which of these statements is FALSE about “IDK”?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. “IDK” is acceptable when you're having informal conversations.

IDK Meaning Question #2

Select the correct spelling.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is A. Avoid using periods when writing “IDK”.

IDK Means Question #3

“IDK” and “IDC” can be used interchangeably.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FALSE. “IDK” means “I don't know”, and “IDC” means “I don't care”.

IDK Question #4

Which of These Statements Is Not Correct
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is D. You can use “IDK” and “IDEK” interchangeably in a sentence.

IDK Question #5

It isn't polite to type “IDK” in a text.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FALSE. “IDK” isn't rude in an informal setting.

IDK Meaning Quiz Result
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Almost got it! Review the article and try again.

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Read More: 🏃💨⌚ AFK Meaning Plus how to use it Like a pro