Beast vs. Monster: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 15, 2023
A beast is typically a wild animal, especially a dangerous one, whereas a monster is often a mythical creature or someone who performs cruel or horrific acts.
Key Differences
The terms “beast” and “monster” are both used to describe entities that can incite fear or awe, but they are inherently different in meaning. A beast typically refers to a real, wild, and often dangerous or ferocious animal. It’s generally used for animals that are not domesticated and can pose a threat to humans due to their nature or size. Conversely, a monster is usually an imaginary creature that is often large and frightening, originating from myths, legends, or horror stories, and it may exhibit features from various animals or humans.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
While beasts are grounded in reality and are part of the natural world, monsters often transcend the boundaries of reality and nature, existing as symbols of fear and the unknown in folklore and fiction. A beast can be understood and studied through biology and zoology as it operates under the laws of nature. However, a monster, being a product of imagination, is not constrained by the laws of nature or science, enabling it to possess supernatural abilities or characteristics, making it a frequent subject in various forms of media and literature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Beasts, being real entities, can be perceived as dangerous due to their physical capabilities, instincts, or behaviors. Examples of beasts include lions, bears, and wolves, animals that are known for their strength, agility, or predatory nature. On the other hand, monsters are embodiments of fears and anxieties, serving as metaphors for the darker aspects of existence or human nature. They can represent the externalization of internal conflicts, moral or ethical dilemmas, or existential fears, illustrated by creatures like vampires, werewolves, or zombies in mythology and popular culture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
In everyday language, the term “beast” can also be used metaphorically to describe a person displaying animalistic behavior or characteristics, particularly aggression or lack of restraint. Similarly, “monster” can metaphorically describe a person who commits heinous or cruel acts, displaying a lack of humanity or moral integrity. Both terms, in their metaphorical sense, denote a departure from civilized or humane behavior, emphasizing the raw, untamed, or evil aspects of individuals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
A wild and possibly dangerous animal.
A mythical creature or a person who performs horrific acts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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Based in
Reality; part of the natural world.
Mythology, imagination, or metaphor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Representation
Physical capabilities, instincts, or behaviors.
Fears, anxieties, or the darker aspects of existence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Existence
Real and can be studied through biology and zoology.
Imaginary, symbolic, and not constrained by natural laws.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
Metaphorical Usage
Can describe a person displaying aggressive behavior.
Can describe a person exhibiting cruel or inhumane acts.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Beast and Monster Definitions
Beast
A large or dangerous animal.
The lion is often called the king of beasts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
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Monster
Something extraordinarily large.
The company has grown into a financial monster.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Beast
Something of a specific kind, especially a large or dangerous kind.
The truck was an absolute beast on the rough terrain.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Monster
A person who commits extremely cruel or wicked acts.
The criminal was labeled a monster by the media.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Monster
An abnormal or malformed organism.
The scientist studied the monster formed by the genetic mutation.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
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Monster
An unnatural or horrific occurrence.
The hurricane was a monster, causing widespread destruction.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Beast
Animal nature as opposed to intellect or spirit
An insult that brought out the beast in him.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Monster
An imaginary or legendary creature, such as a centaur or Harpy, that combines parts from various animal or human forms.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Beast
Any animal other than a human; usually only applied to land vertebrates, especially large or dangerous four-footed ones.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Monster
(Informal) Extremely large; monstrous
A monster hit at the box office.
Ate a monster steak.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Monster
A bizarre or whimsical creature.
The children decided Grover was a cuddly monster.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Beast
(slang) Anything regarded as larger or more powerful than one of its normal size or strength.
That is a beast of a stadium.
The subwoofer that comes with this set of speakers is a beast.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Monster
A cruel, heartless, or antisocial person, especially a criminal.
Get away from those children, you meatheaded monster!
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Sep 29, 2023
Beast
(slang) Someone who is particularly impressive, especially athletically or physically.
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Sep 29, 2023
Monster
(figuratively) A badly behaved child, a brat.
Sit still, you little monster!
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Monster
(informal) Something unusually large.
Have you seen those powerlifters on TV? They're monsters.
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Sep 29, 2023
Monster
(informal) A prodigy; someone very talented in a specific domain.
That dude playing guitar is a monster.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Monster
(gaming) A non-player character that player(s) fight against in role-playing games.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Beast
To engage in sexual intercourse, particularly in an illicit context
That teacher is under investigation for beasting wee 'uns.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Monster
(informal) Very large; worthy of a monster.
He has a monster appetite.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Monster
(transitive) To make into a monster; to categorise as a monster; to demonise.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Beast
Any four-footed animal, that may be used for labor, food, or sport; as, a beast of burden.
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.
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Sep 29, 2023
Beast
Any animal other than a human; - opposed to man.
'Tain't a fit night out for man nor beast.
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Sep 29, 2023
Monster
To play (a series of) non-player characters as directed, without having the responsibility of organising the game itself; generally not limited to playing literal monsters or hostile combatants.
Are you monstering that event?
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Monster
Something of unnatural size, shape, or quality; a prodigy; an enormity; a marvel.
A monster or marvel.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Beast
A penalty at beast, omber, etc. Hence: To be beasted, to be beaten at beast, omber, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Monster
Specifically , an animal or plant departing greatly from the usual type, as by having too many limbs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Monster
Any thing or person of unnatural or excessive ugliness, deformity, wickedness, or cruelty.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Beast
A brutal or uncivilized person.
He turned into a beast when he was angry.
Janet White
Sep 30, 2023
Beast
An object, especially a large or unwieldy one.
Lifting the beast of a box was a two-person job.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Monster
An imaginary creature usually depicted as frightening.
The child was scared there was a monster under his bed.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
FAQs
Is a monster always imaginary?
Monsters are often imaginary, but the term can describe real people or situations metaphorically.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Is a beast always considered dangerous?
Not always, but beasts are often perceived as dangerous due to their wild nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Can the term beast be used metaphorically?
Yes, “beast” can metaphorically describe someone displaying aggressive or animalistic behavior.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
Are beasts studied scientifically?
Yes, beasts, being real animals, can be studied through biology and zoology.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Can a monster be a person?
Yes, a person committing heinous acts can be called a monster.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Can monsters have supernatural abilities?
Often in stories and myths, monsters are depicted as having supernatural abilities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Are beasts usually part of the natural world?
Yes, beasts are typically real entities and part of the natural world.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Can “beast” refer to a large or unwieldy object?
Yes, “beast” can describe a large or unwieldy object, emphasizing its size or difficulty to manage.
Janet White
Oct 13, 2023
Are monsters confined by the laws of nature?
No, being products of imagination, monsters are not confined by natural laws.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Can monsters represent fears or anxieties?
Absolutely, monsters often symbolize fears, anxieties, or darker aspects of existence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Can the term “monster” describe something extraordinarily large?
Yes, “monster” can refer to something extraordinarily large or overwhelming.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
Can humans be categorized as beasts?
In a broad sense, humans can be categorized as rational beasts.
Janet White
Oct 13, 2023
Can “beast” describe a person’s behavior?
Yes, “beast” can describe a person exhibiting brutal or uncivilized behavior.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
Are monsters usually depicted as frightening?
Yes, monsters are usually depicted as frightening, symbolizing fear and the unknown.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
