renard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Very Rare)Literary / Archaic / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “renard” mean?
An old or literary term for a fox, particularly a cunning one.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An old or literary term for a fox, particularly a cunning one; also used in specific contexts for a type of fox fur or a reddish-yellow color.
In literary and figurative use, can refer to a sly, deceitful, or cunning person. It can also appear in heraldry or as a specific name in literature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be recognized in British English due to historical literary connections, but the difference is negligible.
Connotations
Evokes an archaic, poetic, or learned tone. Its use outside of direct references to fables or heraldry might be seen as pretentious.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency. The common modern word is 'fox'. 'Renard' appears mostly in fixed literary or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “renard” in a Sentence
[a/the] + renard + [verb] (The renard watched)[adjective] + renard (a crafty renard)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “renard” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The heraldic shield featured a renard crest.
- It was a renard pelt of exceptional quality.
American English
- He wore a hat with renard fur trim.
- The color was a deep renard red.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in the luxury goods sector for 'renard fur'.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, historical studies, or translations of medieval beast fables.
Everyday
Not used. Would cause confusion.
Technical
Possible in heraldry (e.g., 'a renard passant') or the fur trade as a specific descriptor.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “renard”
- Using 'renard' in casual conversation.
- Pronouncing it like the French /ʁə.naʁ/ instead of the anglicized /ˈrɛnərd/.
- Assuming it is a common synonym for 'fox'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and archaic. The common word is 'fox'. 'Renard' is used in literary, historical, or specialized contexts.
It comes from the Old French 'renard', which itself became the standard word for fox due to the popularity of the character Reynard (Renard) in medieval beast epics, replacing the older word 'goupil'.
It is not recommended, as it will likely sound affected or confusing. Using the common word 'fox' is almost always preferable.
'Renard' is the general (archaic) noun. 'Reynard' (often capitalized) specifically refers to the anthropomorphic fox character from the medieval cycles of stories, such as 'Reynard the Fox'.
An old or literary term for a fox, particularly a cunning one.
Renard is usually literary / archaic / specialized in register.
Renard: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛnɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛnərd/ /rəˈnɑːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly with 'renard'. Related: 'sly as a fox', 'outfox'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'RENARD' as the 'RENowned fARD' (old word for fox) from famous fables.
Conceptual Metaphor
CUNNING IS A RENARD (person is a renard, mind is a renard's den).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'renard' MOST likely to be used correctly in modern English?