wilderness
WIL-der-nis
/ˈwɪldərnɪs/
A wild, uncultivated, and uninhabited region, such as a forest or desert, left in its natural state.
Emphasizes a state of pure, untouched nature, completely free from human development, roads, or permanent settlements.
The story behind the word. Traced back to the Old English 'wilddeorenes', which literally translates to 'the place of wild beasts' (from 'wild' + 'deor' meaning beast or deer). It captured the ancient human perception of the forest as a mysterious, untamed realm where humans did not rule, but wild animals did.
Word relationships
- wilds: 'The wilds' is a more poetic or informal term for remote, natural areas, while 'wilderness' is a formal, geographic, and legal designation.
- wasteland: A wasteland is a barren, desolate area that is often useless or ruined, whereas a wilderness is a thriving, natural ecosystem.
- civilization: Civilization refers to human society with high levels of development, infrastructure, and organization, the direct opposite of wild nature.
- urban area: An urban area is characterized by high population density and built infrastructure, completely devoid of wilderness characteristics.
Commonly confused with
- wildlife: Wildlife refers to the animals and plants living in a natural environment, while wilderness refers to the physical environment itself.
Word family
- wilderness (noun): A wild, uncultivated region.
Collocations
- wilderness area
- pristine wilderness
- protected wilderness
- wilderness survival
Idioms & expressions
- a voice in the wilderness
Example sentences
- "The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness." Classic nature writing (John Muir)
- "The government designated the mountain range as a protected wilderness area, banning all motorized vehicles." An environmental protection act
Memory hook
Think of a place where 'wild' 'deer' live in 'ness' (nest/nature)—a wilderness. The place where wild beasts ('deor') roam free.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a large city park, a golf course, or a rural farming community.
Fun facts
- In the United States, the Wilderness Act of 1964 legally defines wilderness as 'an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.'
Related words
Explore more words
wildfire, frontier, secluded, desolation, terrain, countryside
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