crocodilian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “crocodilian” mean?
Relating to or resembling a crocodile.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to or resembling a crocodile.
1) A reptile of the order Crocodilia (e.g., crocodiles, alligators, caimans, gharials). 2) Figuratively, describing something as crafty, treacherous, or hypocritical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Alligator' is a more common specific term in US contexts (e.g., Florida).
Connotations
Identical. Both use the term technically and recognise the figurative connotation.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK media due to historical colonial and natural history associations.
Grammar
How to Use “crocodilian” in a Sentence
[adj] + crocodilian + [noun] (crocodilian ancestry)[noun] + of + crocodilian + [origin] (a study of crocodilian evolution)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crocodilian” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The fossil exhibited distinct crocodilian features.
- His smile was vaguely crocodilian.
American English
- The museum has an excellent crocodilian exhibit.
- She described his charm as crocodilian.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in zoology, palaeontology, and evolutionary biology to describe the taxonomic order or其特征.
Everyday
Rarely used. If used, it's for dramatic effect or specific knowledge.
Technical
The primary context. Refers to biology, anatomy, or phylogeny of Crocodilia.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crocodilian”
- Using 'crocodilian' to mean 'very large' (hyperbole). Confusing it with 'alligator' or specific species names.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Crocodilian' is the broader order (Crocodilia) which includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials. A crocodile is one type of crocodilian.
Yes, but it's literary or humorous. It describes someone who is deceitful or hypocritical, alluding to the myth of 'crocodile tears'.
Its primary use is scientific/technical, referring to the biological order of large, aquatic, predatory reptiles.
No. It is a low-frequency, specialised term. The common word is 'crocodile' or the names of specific species (alligator, gharial).
Relating to or resembling a crocodile.
Crocodilian is usually formal/technical in register.
Crocodilian: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɒk.əˈdɪl.i.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɑː.kəˈdɪl.i.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “crocodilian tears (rare variant of 'crocodile tears')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CROCODILE' + 'ian' (like a historian of crocodiles).
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS CROCODILIAN (from 'crocodile tears').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'crocodilian' LEAST likely to be used?