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Cad: meaning, definitions and examples

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cad

 

[ kรฆd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

commoner, lowborn, plebeian

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cad

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅˆเคก

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช CAD

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ cad

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะฐะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ cad

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ญใƒฃใƒ‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท CAD

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cad

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท cad

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์บ๋“œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒุงุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ CAD

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ CAD

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ CAD

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ CAD

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ CAD

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ CAD

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช CAD

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ CAD

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cad

Word origin

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.