Tame
Adjective
Definition: (of an animal) not dangerous or frightened of people; domesticated.
Synonyms: Domesticated, Gentle, Docile
Antonyms: Wild, Untamed, Feral
Examples:
- The pet rabbit is tame and enjoys being petted.
- The circus lion appeared tame as it performed tricks.
Mnemonics:
- "Tame" rhymes with "name", which can remind you that tame animals have names and are domesticated.
Etymology:
Origin:
Old English 'tam', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'tam' and German 'zahm'.
Historical Usage:The word has been used to describe the domestication of animals since Old English times.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Tame the beast within"
Explanation:Refers to controlling or restraining one's wild or unruly impulses.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Thinking that "tame" only applies to animals.
Explanation:While "tame" most commonly describes domesticated animals, it can also be used metaphorically to describe human behavior or a situation.