A2adjective1K

Wild

UK /["/waɪld/"]/US /["/waɪld/"]/

Definition

living or growing in natural conditions; not kept in a house or on a farm

In simple words: Living or growing in nature; not controlled or tamed.

Examples

  • The wild animals in the jungle were fascinating to watch.
  • She has a wild imagination that creates amazing stories.
  • The festival had a wild atmosphere with music and dancing.
  • We went on a wild adventure through the mountains last summer.
  • His hair always looks wild when he gets out of bed in the morning.

Usage notes

Use 'wild' to describe animals or plants that are not domesticated. It can also describe behaviors that are uncontrolled or exciting. Avoid in formal writing when a more specific term is available.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a 'wild' animal running freely in the jungle, representing nature at its most untamed.

Collocations

  • be
  • grow
  • live
  • truly
  • be
  • grow
  • live
  • truly
  • be
  • look
  • go
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • with
  • let your imagination run wild
  • be
  • look
  • go
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • with
  • let your imagination run wild

Synonyms

  • stormy

Antonyms

  • tame
  • domestic
  • controlled

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'mild' when describing temperature.
  • Used to describe something as disorganized instead of 'chaotic'.
  • Misused in a formal context where a more precise term is needed.