Langimage
English

pests

|pests|

B2

/pɛsts/

(pest)

harmful organism

Base FormPlural
pestpests
Etymology
Etymology Information

'pest' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'pestis,' where 'pestis' meant 'plague' or 'pestilence.'

Historical Evolution

'pestis' transformed into the Old French word 'peste,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pest' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'plague' or 'pestilence,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'harmful organism or annoying person.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an organism, typically an insect or small animal, that is harmful to humans or human concerns, such as agriculture or livestock.

Farmers often use pesticides to control pests in their fields.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

a person or thing that is annoying or troublesome.

The constant noise from the construction site was a real pest.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45