Cad: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
cad
[ kรฆd ]
academic term
A 'cad' typically refers to a man who behaves dishonorably, especially toward a woman. This term has its roots in the early 19th century and is often used to describe someone who is untrustworthy or lacking in principles. The term carries a disapproving connotation, suggesting that the individual is manipulative or deceitful. It's often employed in literary contexts to characterize villains or negative male figures.
Synonyms
bounder, reprobate, rogue, scoundrel, villain.
Examples of usage
- He acted like a cad when he broke her heart.
- In the novel, the cad leads the heroine astray.
- Nobody in the group trusted him; he was a known cad.
historical context
Historically, a 'cad' also referenced a person of lower social status, particularly in British slang. This meaning has largely been overshadowed by the modern use of the term to describe a morally dubious man. In some contexts, it can also refer to a gentleman who lacks manners or courtliness, adding to the term's negative implications.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- In the past, a cad was simply a man of low birth.
- The term has evolved from its original meaning to its modern usage.
- Literature often contrasts the cad with the gentleman.
Translations
Translations of the word "cad" in other languages:
๐ต๐น cad
- cadastro
- cadรชncia
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคก
- เคเฅเคกเคฐ
- เคเฅเคกเฅเคเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช CAD
- Katalog
- Kadenzen
๐ฎ๐ฉ cad
- daftar
- irama
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะฐะด
- ัะตััััะฐััั
- ะบะฐะดะตะฝััั
๐ต๐ฑ cad
- rejestr
- kadenza
๐ฏ๐ต ใญใฃใ
- ็ป้ฒ
- ใซใใณใใก
๐ซ๐ท CAD
- enregistrement
- cadence
๐ช๐ธ cad
- registro
- cadencia
๐น๐ท cad
- kayฤฑt
- kadans
๐ฐ๐ท ์บ๋
- ๋ฑ๋ก
- ์นด๋ด์ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุงุฏ
- ุชุณุฌูู
- ูุงููุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ CAD
- registr
- kadenฤnรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ CAD
- registrรกcia
- kadenฤnรฝ
๐จ๐ณ CAD
- ๆณจๅ
- ่ๅฅ
๐ธ๐ฎ CAD
- registracija
- kadenฤna
๐ฎ๐ธ CAD
- skrรกning
- kadenza
๐ฐ๐ฟ CAD
- ัััะบะตั
- ะบะฐะดะตะฝัะธั
๐ฌ๐ช CAD
- แ แแแแกแขแ แแชแแ
- แแแแแแชแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ CAD
- qeyd
- kadenziya
๐ฒ๐ฝ cad
- registro
- cadencia
Etymology
The word 'cad' originates from a shortening of 'cadet', a term that referred to a younger son or a student in military school. The usage of 'cad' as we understand it today began to take shape in the 19th century, particularly in British society, as it became a label for men who were perceived to be dishonorable or lacking in moral integrity. Its emergence is closely linked to the context of courtship and social etiquette, reflecting the prevailing attitudes toward gender and behavior in that era. Over time, the meaning of 'cad' shifted, and it started to emphasize a man's failure to uphold gentlemanly virtues. Literary figures embraced the term to create villainous characters, imbuing 'cad' with layers of complexity related to morality, class, and gender dynamics.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #28,193, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 28190 citron
- 28191 obsessional
- 28192 incubate
- 28193 cad
- 28194 ferried
- 28195 charlatan
- 28196 numismatic
- ...