Beast vs. Monster: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A wild and possibly dangerous animal.
A mythical creature or a person who performs horrific acts.
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Based in
Reality; part of the natural world.
Mythology, imagination, or metaphor.
Representation
Physical capabilities, instincts, or behaviors.
Fears, anxieties, or the darker aspects of existence.
Existence
Real and can be studied through biology and zoology.
Imaginary, symbolic, and not constrained by natural laws.
Metaphorical Usage
Can describe a person displaying aggressive behavior.
Can describe a person exhibiting cruel or inhumane acts.
Beast and Monster Definitions
Beast
A large or dangerous animal.
The lion is often called the king of beasts.
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Monster
Something extraordinarily large.
The company has grown into a financial monster.
Beast
Something of a specific kind, especially a large or dangerous kind.
The truck was an absolute beast on the rough terrain.
Monster
A person or animal that is markedly unusual or deformed
Beast
A living being; an animal.
Humans are rational beasts.
Monster
A cruel wicked and inhuman person
Beast
An animal other than a human, especially a large four-footed mammal.
Monster
A person who commits extremely cruel or wicked acts.
The criminal was labeled a monster by the media.
Beast
Animal nature as opposed to intellect or spirit
An insult that brought out the beast in him.
Monster
An abnormal or malformed organism.
The scientist studied the monster formed by the genetic mutation.
Beast
A very large or powerful person or thing
Drives a beast of a truck.
Monster
An unnatural or horrific occurrence.
The hurricane was a monster, causing widespread destruction.
Beast
Something of a specified kind
Her latest film is an odd beast.
Monster
An imaginary or legendary creature, such as a centaur or Harpy, that combines parts from various animal or human forms.
Beast
A brutal, contemptible person.
Monster
A creature having a strange or frightening appearance.
Beast
Any animal other than a human; usually only applied to land vertebrates, especially large or dangerous four-footed ones.
Monster
(Archaic) An organism that has structural defects or deformities.
Beast
A domestic animal, especially a bovine farm animal.
Monster
(Informal) A very large animal, plant, or object.
Beast
A monstrously unusual and dangerous animal.
Monster
One who inspires horror or disgust
A monster of selfishness.
Beast
A person who behaves in a violent, antisocial or uncivilized manner.
Monster
(Informal) Extremely large; monstrous
A monster hit at the box office.
Ate a monster steak.
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.
Monster
A terrifying and dangerous creature. Category:en:Horror
Beast
(slang) Someone who is particularly impressive, especially athletically or physically.
Monster
A bizarre or whimsical creature.
The children decided Grover was a cuddly monster.
Beast
A sex offender.
Monster
A cruel, heartless, or antisocial person, especially a criminal.
Get away from those children, you meatheaded monster!
Beast
(figuratively) Something unpleasant and difficult.
Monster
A severely deformed person.
Beast
A thing or matter, especially a difficult or unruly one.
Monster
(figuratively) A badly behaved child, a brat.
Sit still, you little monster!
Beast
To impose arduous exercises, either as training or as punishment.
Monster
(informal) Something unusually large.
Have you seen those powerlifters on TV? They're monsters.
Beast
To engage in sexual intercourse, particularly in an illicit context
That teacher is under investigation for beasting wee 'uns.
Monster
(informal) A prodigy; someone very talented in a specific domain.
That dude playing guitar is a monster.
Beast
Great; excellent; powerful
Monster
(gaming) A non-player character that player(s) fight against in role-playing games.
Beast
Any living creature; an animal; - including man, insects, etc.
Monster
(informal) Very large; worthy of a monster.
He has a monster appetite.
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.
Monster
(informal) Great; very good; excellent.
Beast
Any animal other than a human; - opposed to man.
'Tain't a fit night out for man nor beast.
Monster
(transitive) To make into a monster; to categorise as a monster; to demonise.
Beast
Fig.: A coarse, brutal, filthy, or degraded fellow.
Monster
(intransitive) To behave as a monster to; to terrorise.
Beast
A game at cards similar to loo.
Monster
To harass.
Beast
A penalty at beast, omber, etc. Hence: To be beasted, to be beaten at beast, omber, etc.
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?
Beast
A living organism characterized by voluntary movement
Monster
Something of unnatural size, shape, or quality; a prodigy; an enormity; a marvel.
A monster or marvel.
Beast
A cruelly rapacious person
Monster
Specifically , an animal or plant departing greatly from the usual type, as by having too many limbs.
Beast
A brutal or uncivilized person.
He turned into a beast when he was angry.
Monster
Any thing or person of unnatural or excessive ugliness, deformity, wickedness, or cruelty.
Beast
An object, especially a large or unwieldy one.
Lifting the beast of a box was a two-person job.
Monster
Monstrous in size.
Monster
Enormous or very powerful.
Monster
To make monstrous.
Monster
An imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts
Monster
Someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful
Monster
(medicine) a grossly malformed and usually nonviable fetus
Monster
An imaginary creature usually depicted as frightening.
The child was scared there was a monster under his bed.
FAQs
Is a monster always imaginary?
Monsters are often imaginary, but the term can describe real people or situations metaphorically.
Is a beast always considered dangerous?
Not always, but beasts are often perceived as dangerous due to their wild nature.
Are beasts real animals?
Yes, beasts typically refer to real, wild animals.
Can the term beast be used metaphorically?
Yes, “beast” can metaphorically describe someone displaying aggressive or animalistic behavior.
Are beasts studied scientifically?
Yes, beasts, being real animals, can be studied through biology and zoology.
Can a monster be a person?
Yes, a person committing heinous acts can be called a monster.
Can monsters have supernatural abilities?
Often in stories and myths, monsters are depicted as having supernatural abilities.
Are beasts usually part of the natural world?
Yes, beasts are typically real entities and part of the natural world.
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.
Are monsters confined by the laws of nature?
No, being products of imagination, monsters are not confined by natural laws.
Can monsters represent fears or anxieties?
Absolutely, monsters often symbolize fears, anxieties, or darker aspects of existence.
Can the term “monster” describe something extraordinarily large?
Yes, “monster” can refer to something extraordinarily large or overwhelming.
Can humans be categorized as beasts?
In a broad sense, humans can be categorized as rational beasts.
Can “beast” describe a person’s behavior?
Yes, “beast” can describe a person exhibiting brutal or uncivilized behavior.
Are monsters usually depicted as frightening?
Yes, monsters are usually depicted as frightening, symbolizing fear and the unknown.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
