4. Which one of the following words is an example of a literal meaning for the noun dog?
A. Mutt C. Cur
B. Hound D. Canine
Consulting a dictionary, this is what I find:
Main Entry: [1]dog
Pronunciation: 'dog, 'däg
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English docga
Date: before 12th century
1 a : CANID; especially : a highly variable domestic mammal (Canis familiaris) closely related to the common wolf (Canis lupus) b : a male dog; also : a male usually carnivorous mammal
2 a : a worthless person b : FELLOW, CHAP <a lazy dog> <you lucky dog>
3 a : any of various usually simple mechanical devices for holding, gripping, or fastening that consist of a spike, bar, or hook b : ANDIRON
4 : uncharacteristic or affected stylishness or dignity <put on the dog>
5 : capitalized : either of the constellations Canis Major or Canis Minor
6 : plural : FEET
7 : plural : RUIN <going to the dogs>
8 : one inferior of its kind: as a : an investment not worth its price b : an undesirable piece of merchandise
9 : an unattractive person and especially a girl or woman
10 : HOT DOG 1
- dog·like /'dog-"lIk/ adjective
Now you might try that with "literal"
To determine which word is an example of a literal meaning for the noun "dog," we first need to understand the literal meaning of the word "dog."
The literal meaning of the noun "dog" refers to a domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, non-retractable claws, and a barking sound. Dogs are typically kept as pets or utilized for various purposes, such as hunting, guarding, or working.
Now, let's examine the options:
A. Mutt - The word "mutt" is a slang term used to describe a mixed-breed dog. While it refers to a type of dog, it does not explicitly represent the literal meaning of the noun "dog."
B. Hound - The word "hound" is another term for a dog. However, it specifically refers to a type of dog bred for hunting or tracking. Although it is related to the literal meaning of the noun "dog" as a domesticated carnivorous mammal, it is not a specific example of the literal meaning.
C. Cur - The word "cur" is a term used to describe a mixed-breed or mongrel dog. Similar to the word "mutt," it is not a specific example of the literal meaning of the noun "dog."
D. Canine - The word "canine" is an example of a literal meaning for the noun "dog." "Canine" is the scientific term for the family of animals that includes dogs, wolves, and other related species. By definition, the word directly represents the literal meaning of the noun "dog."
Therefore, the correct answer is D. Canine.