What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fox
Example
The fox darted across the road and disappeared into the woods. [fox: noun]
Example
He's a sly old fox, always finding ways to get what he wants. [fox: metaphorical usage]
Example
She's a foxy lady, turning heads wherever she goes. [foxy: adjective]
reynard
Example
Reynard the Fox is a famous character in medieval literature. [Reynard: proper noun]
Example
I wouldn't trust him, he's a real Reynard. [Reynard: metaphorical usage]
Example
She managed to find a way out of the tricky situation, she's quite a Reynard. [Reynard: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fox is a much more common word than Reynard in everyday language, and is recognized by most English speakers. Reynard is a more specialized term that is mainly used in literary or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fox and reynard?
Both Fox and Reynard are generally informal words, but Reynard may be considered more formal due to its literary origins and associations.
