What is another word for preens?

Pronunciation: [pɹˈiːnz] (IPA)

Preens is a verb that means "to groom oneself with affection or vanity". It can also mean "to show satisfaction or pride in oneself". Synonyms for preens include primp, glam up, fuss over, prink, doll up, dress up, deck out and beautify. The word preens is also closely associated with birds, specifically the act of birds straightening and cleaning their feathers. In this context, synonyms for preens include fluff, preen feathers, tidy and groom feathers. Whether it's humans or animals, the act of preening is an important part of presentation and self-expression. Whatever word is used, preening is all about taking care in appearance and showing pride in oneself.

What are the hypernyms for Preens?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

Usage examples for Preens

Chapter V Death roosts in the Khyber while he preens his wings!
"King--of the Khyber Rifles"
Talbot Mundy
The native, understanding the nature of the little bird, unhesitatingly follows him; but perhaps his steps are too slow for the impatient caller, upon which he flies back, urging him louder, more impatient cries, to hasten, and then darts swiftly forward, as if he would show how quickly he could go to the honey-store, until at last the treasure is reached, the native has applied fire to the bees' nest, and secured the honey, while the little bird preens himself, and chirrups in triumphant notes, as if he were informing the biped that without his aid he never could have found the honey.
"How I Found Livingstone"
Sir Henry M. Stanley
Wisdom throbbing shall you see Central in complexity; From her pasture 'mid the beasts Rise to her ethereal feasts, Not, though lightnings track your wit Starward, scorning them you quit: For be sure the bravest wing preens it in our common spring, Thence along the vault to soar, You with others, gathering more, Glad of more, till you reject Your proud title of elect, Perilous even here while few Roam the arched greenwood with you.
"The Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith"
George Meredith

Famous quotes with Preens

  • Today's banalities apparently gain in profundity if one states that the wisdom of the past, for all its virtues, belongs to the past. The arrogance of those who come later preens itself with the notion that the past is dead and gone. … The modern mind can no longer think thought, only can locate it in time and space. The activity of thinking decays to the passivity of classifying.
    Russell Jacoby

Related words: preen bird, preen gland, preen oil, bird preening, preening invitation, preening a bird

Related questions:

  • What is preening?
  • How to preen a bird?
  • What is the function of a preen gland in birds?
  • When does preening in birds happen?
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