Bird of passage is an interesting phrase that has been used in the English language for centuries. It is often used to describe a person who travels frequently or migrates from place to place. This article will explore the definition and meaning of bird of passage, its origin, synonyms, antonyms, and associations.
Definitions
The term bird of passage has several definitions. It can refer to a person who moves from one place to another, especially for work or seasonal reasons. It can also refer to a migratory bird that travels long distances to find food or breeding grounds.
Origin
The phrase bird of passage has its roots in Latin. The word “passer” means sparrow, and the phrase “aves migratoriae” means migratory birds. The phrase was first used in English in the 16th century to describe people who traveled frequently.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bird of passage means “a person who moves from place to place.” The Cambridge dictionary defines it as “a person who travels frequently or moves from place to place, especially for work.” The Oxford dictionary defines it as “a migratory bird that travels long distances to find food or breeding grounds.”
Associations
The phrase bird of passage is often associated with adventure, freedom, and independence. It can also be associated with loneliness, insecurity, and instability.
Synonyms
Synonyms of bird of passage include wanderer, traveler, nomad, migrant, and itinerant.
Antonyms
Antonyms of bird of passage include settler, resident, and inhabitant.
The same root words
The same root words as bird of passage include migratory, migration, and migrate.
Example Sentences
- He was a bird of passage, moving from one city to another in search of work.
- The Arctic tern is a bird of passage that travels from the Arctic to the Antarctic every year.
- She felt like a bird of passage, never staying in one place for too long.
In conclusion, bird of passage is a phrase that has been used for centuries to describe people who travel frequently or migrate from place to place. It is also used to describe migratory birds that travel long distances to find food or breeding grounds. The phrase has its roots in Latin and has several definitions and associations. It is a fascinating term that captures the spirit of adventure and freedom.