Bedaub Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐จ
bedaub
[bษชหdษหb ]
Definition
apply, smear
To bedaub means to smear or daub something with a substance, often in a careless or excessive manner. This word is typically used in relation to applying a thick layer of paint, mud, or another material onto a surface. The act of bedaubing can often leave a messy or unsightly finish. It may also imply a lack of attention to detail or finesse in application.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The artist chose to bedaub the canvas with bright colors.
- Children often enjoy to bedaub their hands with paint during art class.
- The walls of the barn were bedaubed with lime to protect against moisture.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Art
- In the art world, to bedaub can refer to using thick brush strokes or excessive paint that results in a textured surface.
- Some artists intentionally bedaub their works to evoke emotion or create a sense of chaos.
- Historical art movements like Abstract Expressionism embraced techniques similar to bedaubing to express spontaneity and raw emotion.
Literature
- The act of bedaubing is often used metaphorically in literature to describe characters or scenes that are overly ornamented or gaudy.
- In poetry, bedaubing can illustrate the contrast between beauty and messiness, emphasizing imperfection as part of the human experience.
- Classic works frequently employed bedaubing as a visual and thematic device to critique societal norms through exaggerated descriptions.
Psychology
- The psychological concept of 'over-decoration' parallels bedaubing, where individuals may feel compelled to overly embellish their environments or themselves.
- Some studies suggest that bedaubing or cluttering can reflect an individual's mental state, often indicating stress or anxiety.
- Cognitive dissonance can occur when something bedaubed clashes with our expectations of order or cleanliness.
Cultural References
- In various cultures, bedaubing can symbolize a departure from the traditional or conventional, often used to challenge societal expectations.
- Festivals such as Holi involve bedaubing oneself with colorful powders, representing joy and celebration in many South Asian cultures.
- Certain traditional rituals in indigenous cultures use bedaubing as a form of artistry or spiritual expression, enhancing identity and community bonds.
Origin of 'bedaub'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'bedaub' comes from the Middle English 'bedawben', which is a combination of 'be-' meaning 'to make' and 'daub', meaning 'to smear'.
- It's related to the Old French word 'dauber', which means 'to smear' or 'to cover with mud'.
- The word has been in use since the 15th century, indicating a long history of describing the act of smearing.
The word 'bedaub' has its roots in the Old English word 'dลซbban', which means to daub or smear. It evolved through Middle English as 'bedauben'. The prefix 'be-' in Old English often means 'to make' or 'to cause to be', while 'daub' comes from a root that refers to applying a thick substance. Over time, 'bedaub' came to be widely used in English to describe the act of covering a surface in a haphazard manner. Its usage has been present in literature for several centuries, often in contexts related to painting, art, and even criticism of poor workmanship. The word retains a somewhat negative connotation, suggesting a lack of precision or care in the application.