hrdlicka: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/Rare (in English contexts)Formal (as a surname or in zoological contexts); Poetic/Literary (when used metaphorically in English).
Quick answer
What does “hrdlicka” mean?
The Czech word for 'turtle dove', a type of small, slender dove known for its mournful call.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The Czech word for 'turtle dove', a type of small, slender dove known for its mournful call.
In a broader sense, it can metaphorically refer to something gentle, peaceful, or loving, often used in poetic or romantic contexts. It is also the surname of Aleš Hrdlička, a prominent Czech anthropologist.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical, as it is a loanword/surname with no established variation between dialects.
Connotations
As a surname, it carries neutral connotations. When used to mean 'dove', it carries the same gentle, peaceful poetic connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in common language use in either dialect. Slightly more likely to be encountered in academic texts relating to anthropology.
Grammar
How to Use “hrdlicka” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] Hrdlička + verb (e.g., Hrdlička proposed...)the + surname + of + [Name] (e.g., the theories of Hrdlička)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in anthropology and history of science contexts (e.g., 'Hrdlička contested the idea of New World human origins.')
Everyday
Not used, except by individuals with that surname.
Technical
Used in ornithology only when referring to the Czech common name for *Streptopelia turtur*.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hrdlicka”
- Mispronouncing it as 'HARD-lick-ah' (the 'r' is syllabic).
- Spelling it as 'Hrdlicka' without the háček (č).
- Assuming it has a meaning in everyday English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a Czech word. In English contexts, it is almost exclusively encountered as the surname of the anthropologist Aleš Hrdlička.
The approximate English pronunciation is /ˈhɜːd.lɪtʃ.kə/ (HERD-litch-kuh), with a syllabic 'r' at the start. The original Czech pronunciation involves a raised alveolar trill (ř).
You could for deliberate exoticism or to evoke a Czech setting, but it would be considered a highly specialized loanword, not a standard English term. 'Turtle dove' is the standard term.
Proper nouns, especially those of notable historical figures, are often included in comprehensive dictionaries. It is listed due to the significance of Aleš Hrdlička in his field.
The Czech word for 'turtle dove', a type of small, slender dove known for its mournful call.
Hrdlicka is usually formal (as a surname or in zoological contexts); poetic/literary (when used metaphorically in english). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in English. Czech idiom: 'Mít srdce jako hrdlička' (To have a heart like a turtle dove) meaning to be very gentle.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **hard**-working **lick**ing **cat** ('hrd-li-cka') trying to catch a gentle turtle dove.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENTLENESS IS A DOVE; PEACE IS A DOVE; LOVE IS A DOVE (when used poetically).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of the Czech word 'hrdlička'?