Begrimed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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begrimed

[bษชหˆษกraษชmd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

dirty condition

Begrimed refers to something that is covered with dirt or soot. It implies a state of being soiled, grimy, or in a filthy condition. This term is often used to describe objects, places, or people that appear neglected or unclean.

Synonyms

dirty, grimy, smeared, soiled, tainted.

Examples of usage

  • The begrimed children played in the muddy field.
  • He wiped his begrimed hands on his trousers.
  • The begrimed old books filled the dusty shelves.
  • Begrimed by smoke, the walls needed a thorough cleaning.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In classic literature, 'begrimed' is often used to depict a character or setting that reflects hardship and neglect.
  • Charles Dickens frequently described characters in grimy conditions, using the word to illustrate poverty in industrial London.

Visual Arts

  • Artists like the 19th-century painter Gustave Dorรฉ used the concept of 'begrimed' to evoke emotional responses through dark, soot-laden imagery.
  • Many street artists intentionally incorporate grime into their work to reflect urban environments and sometimes even use soot in their artwork.

Environmental Science

  • Soot and grime in urban environments are indicators of air pollution, affecting both human health and the environment.
  • Measures to reduce grime in cities often include policies to enforce cleaner industries and vehicle emissions standards.

Psychology

  • People often associate 'begrimed' environments with neglect, which can evoke feelings of sadness or desolation.
  • Research shows that environments perceived as dirty can affect mood and impact stress levels among individuals.

Origin of 'begrimed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'be-', meaning to cover or cause to be, and 'grime', referring to dirt or soot.
  • Historically, 'grime' has roots in the Middle English word 'grimme', which meant grimy or filthy.

The word 'begrimed' is derived from the prefix 'be-' and the noun 'grime.' The prefix 'be-' has Old English roots, typically indicating a transformation or saturation of the root word, while 'grime' originates from the early Middle English 'grime,' meaning dirt, soot, or filth. The combination of these elements reflects the process of becoming dirty or covered in grime. The usage of 'begrimed' in English can be traced back to the 16th century, and it has retained its meaning through the centuries, commonly used in literature to evoke images of neglect and dirtiness. The term is frequently used in both literary and colloquial contexts to describe items or situations that are unpleasantly dirty or stained.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,361, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.