wild
/waɪld/- 1.
Living or growing in nature, not controlled by people. It can also mean not tamed or not kept as a pet.
- We saw wild horses near the river.
- This area has many wild birds.
- 2.
Very strong, uncontrolled, or extreme. It often describes feelings, weather, behavior, or reactions.
- She had a wild idea last night.
- The crowd gave a wild cheer.
- 3.
Unusual, exciting, or not planned. In informal English, it can suggest something bold or crazy.
- We had a wild weekend in Goa.
- That was a wild story.
The wild is nature away from people, towns, and control.
- The animal was released into the wild.
- Many plants survive better in the wild.
Adinary Nuance
Wild is often stronger and less controlled than words like free, natural, or untamed. Use wild for things that are in nature, or for behavior and feelings that seem intense or hard to control. In informal speech, it can also mean exciting, surprising, or even a little crazy. That casual meaning is different from the more literal meaning in writing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- hoang dã
- Spanish
- salvaje
- Chinese
- 野生的
- Japanese
- 野生の
- Korean
- 야생의
Etymology
Wild comes from Old English wild, meaning 'uncultivated' or 'untamed'. It has kept this core idea for many centuries.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is wild formal or informal?
- It is common in everyday English. Some meanings are informal, especially when you mean exciting or crazy.
- What's the difference between wild and untamed?
- Untamed is more exact and often used for animals. Wild is broader and can describe nature, feelings, or behaviour.
- Can I say 'wild idea' in business English?
- Yes, but it sounds informal. In business writing, 'bold idea' or 'unusual idea' may fit better.
- Does wild mean the same as natural?
- Not exactly. Natural means not artificial. Wild means not controlled by people, or very strong and uncontrolled.