Feral vs. Ferine — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
Feral describes domesticated animals returned to the wild. Ferine, on the other hand, denotes wild, untamed animals or behaviors, often reflecting savagery.
Difference Between Feral and Ferine
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Feral typically refers to formerly domesticated animals that have reverted to a wild state. Ferine, however, describes wild animals or behaviors that are inherently untamed.
Feral animals often exhibit behaviors similar to their wild ancestors but might still retain some characteristics from their domestic lineage. Ferine animals remain purely wild in their habits, with no domestication history.
Feral is commonly used in reference to animals such as cats, dogs, or pigs, which can thrive in the wild after domestication. Ferine more broadly encompasses creatures that are inherently untamed, including non-domesticated species like wolves or wildcats.
Feral can describe humans or behaviors that have become unrefined or unruly, hinting at a fall from a civilized state. Ferine emphasizes savagery or a primal quality, not necessarily implying a prior state of domestication.
Feral sometimes has a negative connotation, implying problematic behavior or ecological imbalance. Ferine tends to carry a neutral tone, simply referring to the natural wildness of an animal or behavior.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Domesticated animals returned wild
Naturally wild or savage
Usage
Typically domesticated species
Any animal inherently untamed
Human Behavior
Uncivilized or unruly
Savage, primal
Common Example
Feral cats or pigs
Wolves, wildcats
Connotation
Slightly negative
Neutral
Compare with Definitions
Feral
An animal that was once domesticated but has reverted to the wild.
Feral cats thrive in the abandoned warehouse.
Ferine
Refers to wild, untamed animals.
The ferine wolves prowled through the dense forest.
Feral
Denotes behaviors that are unruly or unrefined.
His feral instincts took over during the argument.
Ferine
Sometimes applied to humans to indicate untamed ferocity.
The ferine warriors intimidated their enemies.
Feral
Refers to people living outside of civilization.
The tribe retained a feral existence deep in the forest.
Ferine
Denotes behaviors that are savage or primal.
Their ferine habits made them difficult to approach.
Feral
Suggests a return to an untamed state.
The abandoned dog became feral over time.
Ferine
Implies an inherent wildness in creatures or behaviors.
The ferine lynx hunted its prey skillfully.
Feral
Describes plants growing wild after cultivation.
The feral mustard covered the empty fields.
Ferine
Can suggest a lack of refinement or sophistication.
The ferine atmosphere of the event was startling.
Feral
A feral animal or plant (from Latin: fera, 'a wild beast') is one that lives in the wild but is descended from domesticated specimens. As with an introduced species, the introduction of feral animals or plants to non-native regions may disrupt ecosystems and has, in some cases, contributed to extinction of indigenous species.
Ferine
Untamed; feral.
Feral
Having returned to an untamed state from domestication
A pack of feral dogs.
Ferine
Pertaining to wild, menacing animals; feral.
Feral
Existing in a wild or untamed state.
Ferine
Belonging to the proposed taxon of bats, carnivorans, and insectivorans.
Feral
Of or suggestive of a wild animal; savage
A feral grin.
Ferine
A member of the proposed taxon of bats, carnivorans, and insectivorans.
Feral
Wild, untamed.
Ferine
Wild; untamed; savage; as, lions, tigers, wolves, and bears are ferine beasts.
Feral
Of an animal, being wild but descended from domestic or captive animals.
Ferine
Wild and menacing;
A ferocious dog
Feral
(of a person) Contemptible, unruly, misbehaved.
Feral
Deadly, fatal.
Feral
Of or pertaining to the dead, funereal.
Feral
A domesticated animal that has returned to the wild; an animal, particularly a domesticated animal, living independently of humans.
Feral
A contemptible young person, a lout, a person who behaves wildly.
Feral
A person who has isolated themselves from the outside world; one living an alternative lifestyle.
Feral
A character in furry art or literature which has the physical characteristics (body) of a regular animal (typically quadripedal), that may or may not be able to communicate with humans or anthros (contrasts anthro)
The story is about a group of ferals which have to explore the ruins of society after the humans die out.
Feral
Wild; untamed; ferine; not domesticated; - said of beasts, birds, and plants.
Feral
Funereal; deadly; fatal; dangerous.
Feral
Wild and menacing;
A ferocious dog
Common Curiosities
Can feral apply to humans?
Yes, feral can describe unruly or uncivilized behavior in humans.
Is ferine a common term today?
Ferine is less commonly used today, but it can be found in literature or discussions about primal behavior.
Are feral animals dangerous?
Feral animals can sometimes pose risks due to their wild behavior and lack of domestication.
Can ferine refer to behaviors, or is it just for animals?
Ferine can describe savage or primal behaviors as well as animals.
Can feral apply to plants?
Yes, feral can describe cultivated plants that grow wild, such as feral wheat.
Does ferine have a neutral or negative connotation?
Ferine has a neutral connotation, referring to natural wildness rather than implying a problem.
What is a common example of a feral animal?
Feral cats are a well-known example, often living in urban areas.
Do ferine animals respond to training or domestication?
Ferine animals are generally resistant to domestication due to their inherent wildness.
Do feral animals retain any domesticated traits?
Some feral animals may still display domesticated characteristics, but they typically behave more like their wild counterparts.
Do feral animals often become invasive species?
Yes, feral animals sometimes disrupt local ecosystems, becoming invasive.
Do feral and ferine mean the same thing?
Not exactly; feral usually refers to domesticated animals turned wild, while ferine describes inherently untamed creatures or behaviors.
Is feral behavior reversible in animals?
Some feral animals can be rehabilitated with training, but many retain their wild instincts.
Are there ferine plants as well as animals?
Ferine primarily refers to animals or behaviors, not plants.
Can feral apply to formerly wild animals?
No, feral specifically applies to previously domesticated animals.
Is ferine ever used in scientific contexts?
Occasionally, ferine is used in scientific contexts to describe naturally wild behavior.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
