Animal vs. Critter — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
Animal refers broadly to all members of the kingdom Animalia, whereas critter is an informal term often used endearingly for small animals or insects.
Difference Between Animal and Critter
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Animal encompasses every member of the kingdom Animalia, which includes a vast array of creatures from microscopic organisms to large mammals. Whereas, critter is a colloquial term that usually describes smaller animals, often invoking a sense of familiarity or endearment.
Animals are scientifically categorized into various taxa such as species, families, and phyla based on biological and evolutionary characteristics. On the other hand, the term critter does not correspond to any scientific categorization and is more flexible, often used subjectively based on the speaker's perception.
In scientific contexts, the term animal is used to discuss biological processes, habitats, ecological roles, and conservation status. Conversely, critter is rarely used in formal scientific discourse and is more common in everyday language, children’s literature, and informal discussions about nature.
Animals can include creatures as diverse as sharks, elephants, and birds, covering all environments from aquatic to terrestrial. In contrast, critters are typically thought of as small, often cute or pesky creatures like squirrels, bugs, or small reptiles.
The study of animals (zoology) involves anatomy, genetics, behavior, and interaction with ecosystems. Meanwhile, the use of critter does not imply a specific field of study but can influence public attitudes or cultural narratives about certain animals.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A living organism that feeds on organic matter, typically having specialized sense organs and nervous system.
Informal term for any small animal or insect, often used affectionately.
Usage in Language
Formal and scientific contexts.
Informal and colloquial contexts.
Types Included
All members of the animal kingdom, from microorganisms to whales.
Generally small, often considered cute or pest-like creatures.
Contexts Discussed
In discussions about biology, ecology, conservation.
Casual conversations, children’s stories, pet discussions.
Perception and Tone
Neutral and based on biological characteristics.
Often endearing, familiar, or minimally bothersome.
Compare with Definitions
Animal
Any living organism that is not a plant or fungus; usually capable of voluntary movement and responsive to their environment.
Sharks are fascinating animals known for their advanced hunting skills.
Critter
A term of endearment for domestic animals, especially small pets.
Look at that cute little critter playing in the yard!
Animal
Pertaining to the physical, sensual nature of organisms.
Animal instincts drive behaviors related to survival and reproduction.
Critter
A living creature, often small or considered insignificant.
The woods behind the house are full of critters like raccoons and foxes.
Animal
A wild mammal as opposed to a domesticated or tame one.
Lions are majestic animals that roam freely in the wild.
Critter
Sometimes used to describe bothersome insects or pests.
We need to get rid of these critters eating our garden.
Animal
A creature as distinguished from a human being.
In many cultures, animals are revered and protected as sacred beings.
Critter
Colloquially used to inject humor or diminish the seriousness of the animal being discussed.
That critter might look scary, but it’s harmless.
Animal
Used metaphorically to describe a person’s behavior.
He unleashed his animal strength during the competition.
Critter
Refers generally to animals typically encountered in rural or wild areas.
At night, all sorts of critters can be heard scurrying around.
Animal
A living organism that feeds on organic matter, typically having specialized sense organs and nervous system and able to respond rapidly to stimuli
Wild animals adapt badly to a caged life
Humans are the only animals who weep
Critter
A living creature.
Animal
Relating to or characteristic of animals
Animal welfare
The evolution of animal life
Critter
A domestic animal, especially a cow, horse, or mule.
Animal
Relating to or denoting the pole or extremity of an embryo that contains the more active cytoplasm in the early stages of development.
Critter
A person.
Animal
Any of numerous multicellular eukaryotic organisms of the kingdom Metazoa (or Animalia) that ingest food rather than manufacturing it themselves and are usually able to move about during at least part of their life cycle. Sponges, jellyfishes, flatworms, mollusks, arthropods, and vertebrates are animals.
Critter
A creature, an animal.
Animal
An animal organism other than a human, especially a mammal.
Critter
Any animal; as, lots of critters come out only at night.
Animal
A person who behaves in a bestial or brutish manner.
Critter
A domestic animal or a non-predatory wild animal; - contrasted with varmint, also dialectal.
Animal
A human considered with respect to their physical nature, as opposed to rational or spiritual nature.
Critter
A regional term for creature (especially domestic animals)
Animal
A person having a specified aptitude or set of interests
“that rarest of musical animals, an instrumentalist who is as comfortable on a podium with a stick as he is playing his instrument” (Lon Tuck).
Animal
Relating to, characteristic of, or derived from an animal or animals, especially when not human
Animal cells.
Animal welfare.
Animal
Relating to the physical as distinct from the rational or spiritual nature of people
Animal instincts and desires.
Animal
(science) A eukaryote of the clade Animalia; a multicellular organism that is usually mobile, whose cells are not encased in a rigid cell wall (distinguishing it from plants and fungi) and which derives energy solely from the consumption of other organisms (distinguishing it from plants).
A cat is an animal, not a plant. Humans are also animals, under the scientific definition, as we are not plants.
Animal
(loosely) Any member of the kingdom Animalia other than a human.
Animal
Any land-living vertebrate (i.e. not fishes, insects, etc.).
Animal
(figuratively) A person who behaves wildly; a bestial, brutal, brutish, cruel, or inhuman person.
My students are animals.
Animal
(informal) A person of a particular type.
He's a political animal.
Animal
, thing.
A whole different animal
Animal
Of or relating to animals.
Animal instincts
Animal
Raw, base, unhindered by social codes.
Animal passions
Animal
Pertaining to the spirit or soul; relating to sensation or innervation.
Animal
Excellent
Animal
An organized living being endowed with sensation and the power of voluntary motion, and also characterized by taking its food into an internal cavity or stomach for digestion; by giving carbonic acid to the air and taking oxygen in the process of respiration; and by increasing in motive power or active aggressive force with progress to maturity.
Animal
One of the lower animals; a brute or beast, as distinguished from man; as, men and animals.
Animal
Of or relating to animals; as, animal functions.
Animal
Pertaining to the merely sentient part of a creature, as distinguished from the intellectual, rational, or spiritual part; as, the animal passions or appetites.
Animal
Consisting of the flesh of animals; as, animal food.
Animal
A living organism characterized by voluntary movement
Animal
Of the appetites and passions of the body;
Animal instincts
Carnal knowledge
Fleshly desire
A sensual delight in eating
Music is the only sensual pleasure without vice
Animal
Of the nature of or characteristic of or derived from an animal or animals;
The animal kingdom
Animal instincts
Animal fats
Decaying vegetable matter
Common Curiosities
Can the term critter have a negative connotation?
Yes, the term critter can sometimes have a negative connotation, especially when used to refer to pests or invasive species that are bothersome.
What types of animals are rarely referred to as critters?
Larger animals, especially those that are not typically considered cute or insignificant, such as elephants or whales, are rarely referred to as critters.
Are insects considered critters?
Yes, insects are often colloquially referred to as critters, especially in contexts where they are considered either endearing or pesky.
Do the terms 'animal' and 'critter' appear in legal language?
'Animal' appears frequently in legal language, particularly in legislation concerning wildlife, domestic animals, and animal rights, while 'critter' is not used due to its informal and ambiguous nature.
How do children typically learn the concept of 'animal' versus 'critter'?
Children usually learn the concept of 'animal' in educational settings as a broad category, while 'critter' is often picked up in informal settings, influenced by cultural usage and media.
Is it common to use 'critter' in formal writing?
It is uncommon to use 'critter' in formal writing due to its informal nature and lack of specific definition.
Why is the term 'animal' used more frequently in academic and scientific settings?
The term 'animal' is used in scientific and academic settings because it precisely defines a group of organisms classified in the kingdom Animalia, adhering to specific biological characteristics.
What role does media play in shaping the perception of these terms?
Media plays a significant role in shaping the perception of these terms, often using 'animal' in educational or factual content, while 'critter' is used in more casual, humorous, or endearing contexts.
What implications does referring to an animal as a critter have on animal rights discussions?
Referring to an animal as a critter can sometimes trivialize its significance, potentially influencing public attitudes and policies regarding animal welfare and rights.
How do zoologists view the use of the term 'critter'?
Zoologists typically prefer using specific scientific terms for clarity and accuracy, thus they rarely use the informal term 'critter' in professional contexts.
What synonyms are commonly used for 'animal' and 'critter'?
Common synonyms for 'animal' include creature, beast, and fauna, whereas 'critter' is synonymous with terms like creature, varmint, or beastie in informal settings.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
