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Synonyms for raven


Grammar : Adj, noun, verb
Spell : rey-vuh n
Phonetic Transcription : ˈreɪ vən

Top 10 synonyms for raven Other synonyms for the word raven

Définition of raven

Origin :
  • Old English hræfn (Mercian), hrefn; hræfn (Northumbrian, West Saxon), from Proto-Germanic *khrabanas (cf. Old Norse hrafn, Danish ravn, Dutch raaf, Old High German hraban, German Rabe "raven," Old English hroc "rook"), from PIE root *ker-, imitative of harsh sounds (cf. Latin crepare "to creak, clatter," cornix "crow," corvus "raven;" Greek korax "raven," korone "crow;" Old Church Slavonic kruku "raven;" Lithuanian krauklys "crow").
  • Raven mythology shows considerable homogeneity throughout the whole area [northern regions of the northern hemisphere] in spite of differences in detail. The Raven peeps forth from the mists of time and the thickets of mythology, as a bird of slaughter, a storm bird, a sun and fire bird, a messenger, an oracular figure and a craftsman or culture hero. [Edward A. Armstrong, "The Folklore of Birds," 1958]
  • Old English also used hræmn, hremm. The raven standard was the flag of the Danish Vikings. The Quran connects the raven with Cain's murder of Abel; but in Christianity the bird plays a positive role in the stories of St. Benedict, St. Paul the Hermit, St. Vincent, etc. It was anciently believed to live to great old age, but the ancients also believed it wanting in parental care. The vikings, like Noah, were said to have used the raven to discover land. "When uncertain of their course they let one loose, and steered the vessel in his track, deeming that the land lay in the direction of his flight; if he returned to the ship, it was supposed to be at a distance" [Charles Swainson, "The Folk Lore and Provincial Names of British Birds," London, 1886].
  • As in jet : adj black
  • As in sable : adj very dark in color
  • As in black : adj dark, inky
  • As in ebony : adj black
  • As in onyx : adj black
  • As in pitch-black : adj black
  • As in pitchy : adj black
  • As in plunder : noun something stolen
  • As in prey : noun target of attack
  • As in stormy petrel : noun bird of ill omen
  • As in glut : verb choke; oversupply
Example sentences :
  • The tresses of this lady were shining and black, like the plumage of the raven.
  • Extract from : « The Last of the Mohicans » by James Fenimore Cooper
  • The raven, wolf, and eagle are the regular epic accompaniments of battle and carnage.
  • Extract from : « Beowulf » by Unknown
  • But the raven flew off and returned with a letter for the judge.
  • Extract from : « The Chinese Fairy Book » by Various
  • And in one tree sat a raven, beating his wings and cawing loudly.
  • Extract from : « The Chinese Fairy Book » by Various
  • If there's any wickedness going on, that raven's in it, I'll be sworn.'
  • Extract from : « Barnaby Rudge » by Charles Dickens
  • The man smeared a fish with mud, and then threw it to the raven.
  • Extract from : « Aino Folk-Tales » by Basil Hall Chamberlain
  • So the fisherman washed one of the fish, and threw it to the raven.
  • Extract from : « Aino Folk-Tales » by Basil Hall Chamberlain
  • When he looked, it appeared like a human being in form, though it was a raven.
  • Extract from : « Aino Folk-Tales » by Basil Hall Chamberlain
  • A Raven who did not like his black coat had the wish to grow as white as a Swan.
  • Extract from : « Boys and Girls Bookshelf (Vol 2 of 17) » by Various
  • No,” said the Raven, “squeeze it but a little harder, and I shall be free!
  • Extract from : « Boys and Girls Bookshelf (Vol 2 of 17) » by Various

Antonyms for raven

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019