ilk
C1Formal, sometimes pejorative or journalistic.
Definition
Meaning
A type, kind, or sort, especially of a person; often used pejoratively or dismissively.
Used most commonly in the fixed phrase 'of that ilk' to denote someone or something sharing the same name or characteristics, particularly in Scottish clan names. In contemporary use, it implies a group or class of people sharing similar (often negative) qualities.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Its modern use often carries a critical or mocking tone when referring to people. The Scottish usage is specific and neutral.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The original Scottish usage ('of that ilk' meaning 'of the same place or name') is more familiar in UK English, while the pejorative sense ('people of that ilk') is common in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can sound formal or old-fashioned. The pejorative connotation (e.g., 'politicians and their ilk') is strong and more frequent in contemporary use.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but the word appears more in written discourse (opinion pieces, criticism) than in speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[determiner] + ilk[person/group] + of that ilk[person/group] + and [possessive] ilkVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “of that ilk”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in criticism: 'We avoid consultants of that ilk.'
Academic
Used in historical/social studies discussing groups or classes of people.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Used for humorous or critical effect.
Technical
No specific technical usage.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- Guthrie and others of that ilk dominated the debate.
- He was not a man of the same ilk as his predecessor.
American English
- The senator dismissed the protesters and their ilk as uninformed.
- She had no time for salesmen of that particular ilk.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I generally avoid politicians and their ilk.
- Artists of that ilk often challenge traditional norms.
- The editorial was scathing, criticising bankers, lobbyists, and all their ilk for the economic crisis.
- His work is not of the same ilk as the earlier Romantic poets; it's far more cynical.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ilk' sounds like 'ilk' in milk – but it's a different 'type' of word altogether. Remember the phrase 'of that ilk' as a fixed unit.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE TYPES/CLASSES (often undesirable ones).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to Russian 'такой же' or 'подобный'. The word is more specific and carries tone. 'Его/их типаж' or 'подобные ему/им' might convey the pejorative sense better than a direct equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'group' without the critical nuance (e.g., 'a friendly ilk').
- Using it without a clear referent (e.g., 'He is an ilk.').
- Pluralising unnecessarily ('ilks' is possible but very rare).
Practice
Quiz
The phrase 'of that ilk' in a Scottish context originally meant:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. Its contemporary use is predominantly neutral-to-negative. Using it positively ('heroes and their ilk') can sound archaic or ironic.
It is primarily a noun. It is not used as an adjective in modern English (e.g., you cannot say 'an ilk person').
It comes from Old English 'ilca', meaning 'same'. The Scottish usage ('Macdonald of that ilk' = 'Macdonald of Macdonald') preserved the original meaning of 'same'.
Yes, but it is extremely rare. The word is most often used in singular constructions ('that ilk', 'his ilk'). 'Different ilks' is occasionally seen.