la manada

Definition & meaning

The word manada refers to a group of animals that live, move, or graze together. It is most commonly translated as "herd," "flock," or "pack," depending on the species of the animal.

1. For grazing animals: It refers to a herd, such as a group of cows, horses, or elephants.
2. For predatory animals: It refers to a pack or pride, such as a group of wolves or lions.
3. Figurative use: It can also be used pejoratively to refer to a large group of people moving or acting together in a mindless or unruly way, similar to the term "mob" or "throng."

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: It is a feminine singular noun.
• Word origin: It comes from the Latin word manus (hand), originally implying a "handful" of animals that could be held or managed, which eventually evolved to describe a group of animals under the care of a shepherd.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• Rebaño ↗ (specifically used for sheep or goats).
• Grupo ↗ (a general term for a group).
• Horda ↗ (often used for a disorderly or large crowd of people).
• Jauría ↗ (specifically a pack of hounds or dogs).
• Bandada ↗ (specifically used for a flock of birds).

Antonyms:

• Individual ↗ (referring to a single animal).
• Solitario ↗ (referring to an animal that lives alone).