viper
C1/C2Literary, formal, zoological
Definition
Meaning
A venomous snake with long, hinged fangs, typically having a broad head and stout body.
A treacherous or spiteful person; someone who betrays trust while pretending friendship.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to snakes in the family Viperidae (e.g., adder, rattlesnake). The metaphorical meaning carries strong negative moral judgment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Viper' is slightly more common in British literary contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of stealth, betrayal, and danger. The metaphorical use is stronger in UK English.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech; appears more in literature, journalism (metaphor), and zoology.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[det] viper [prep] [np][adj] viper [v]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “nourish a viper in one's bosom”
- “viper in the grass”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; used metaphorically for treacherous colleagues or competitors.
Academic
Zoology: classification of reptiles. Literature: metaphorical characterisation.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation.
Technical
Herpetology: specific subfamily of snakes (Viperinae).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No standard verb form.
American English
- No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form.
American English
- No standard adjective form.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The zoo has a viper.
- He was bitten by a viper during the hike.
- She discovered her business partner was a viper, stealing her clients.
- The political commentator described the lobbyist as a viper in the corridors of power.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
VIPER: Very Insidious Person / Extremely Reptilian.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE DANGEROUS ANIMALS / BETRAYAL IS A POISON
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not interchangeable with "гадюка" in metaphorical contexts; "viper" implies active malice, not just unpleasantness.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'viper' for any snake (specific family only). Overusing the metaphor in informal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'viper' most likely used literally?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they belong to different snake families. Vipers have hinged fangs and are usually stout; cobras have fixed fangs and can spread a hood.
Rarely. The metaphorical use almost always implies malice, betrayal, or hidden danger.
'Viper' is more intense and literary, emphasising venom and treachery. 'Snake' is more general for deceit.
Not in daily conversation. It's found in writing, especially literature, journalism, and technical zoology.
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