feralness
|fer-al-ness|
/ˈfɛrəlnəs/
(feral)
wild state
Etymology
'feralness' originates from the English adjective 'feral', which ultimately derives from Latin 'ferus', where 'ferus' meant 'wild'.
'feral' developed from Medieval Latin 'feralis' (meaning 'of wild beasts, deadly') and entered English usage via Late Latin/Old French, later forming the noun by adding the suffix '-ness' to create 'feralness'.
Initially related to things 'pertaining to wild beasts' in Medieval Latin, the term evolved into English 'feral' meaning 'wild, untamed', and 'feralness' now denotes the state or quality of being wild.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or condition of being feral; wildness, especially when a formerly domesticated animal has reverted to a wild state.
The feralness of the stray cats made them difficult to approach.
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Noun 2
a quality of extreme savagery or lack of restraint in behavior or appearance (used figuratively for people or situations).
Observers commented on the feralness of the crowd after the match.
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Last updated: 2025/12/01 13:51