English Lexicon

Swan

/swɒn/
nounCEFR A2 (Elementary)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A large waterbird with a long neck, known for its elegance and often found in lakes and rivers.

    "The swan glided gracefully across the lake, leaving ripples in its wake."
  2. 2

    A symbol of beauty and grace, often used in literature and art.

    "In the story, the princess transformed into a swan, embodying both beauty and sorrow."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word 'swan' originates from the Old English 'swan', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic '*swana', and further back to the Proto-Indo-European root '*swen-', meaning 'to sound' or 'to sing'. The term has evolved over centuries to refer specifically to the large waterfowl known for its grace and beauty.

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