Superimpose, preen
Hi,
1) Can I use the word ‘preen’ when talking about a bird smoothing its feathers or is it an uncommon word?
2) “The main character always tries to superimpose levity on the darker scenes.” Does this sound okay? (He makes jokes to difuse the tension or he makes difficult situations seem less serious.)
Thank you.
Top answer
Ann225 1) Can I use the word ‘preen’ when talking about a bird smoothing its feathers or is it an uncommon word? "Preen" is fairly common; The OED puts it in Frequency Band 4 ("likely be used unproblematically in fiction or journalism …"). Literate people will know it, and probably more have heard it used figuratively of a vain person than literally of a bird (its original sense).
- Ann225 1) Can I use the word ‘preen’ when talking about a bird smoothing its feathers or is it an uncommon word?
- "Preen" is fairly common; The OED puts it in Frequency Band 4 ("likely be used unproblematically in fiction or journalism …").
- Literate people will know it, and probably more have heard it used figuratively of a vain person than literally of a bird (its original sense).
- It it the right word for what a bird does, anyway, so if they don't know it, they should look it up.
- ” Does this sound okay?
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
Ann2251) Can I use the word ‘preen’ when talking about a bird smoothing its feathers or is it an uncommon word?
"Preen" is fairly common; The OED puts it in Frequency Band 4 ("likely be used unproblematically in fiction or journalism …"). Literate people will know it, and probably more have heard it used figuratively of a vain person than literally o
0
Related Questions