Dirty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dirty
[ˈdɜːr.ti ]
Definitions
in a state of being unclean
Having a dirty appearance or covered with dirt; not clean.
Synonyms
filthy, grimy, soiled, unclean.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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dirty |
General term for something not clean, can be used in both everyday situations and more specific contexts like sports or work.
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unclean |
Generally formal or old-fashioned term, can be used in medical, religious, or general contexts. It often implies something that needs to be cleaned.
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grimy |
Describes something covered with or embedded in dirt, often used for objects or surfaces.
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filthy |
Stronger term with a more intense meaning than 'dirty', often used to describe something extremely dirty or offensive.
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soiled |
Often used in more formal or specific contexts, especially for clothing or items that have been stained or dirtied.
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Examples of usage
- His clothes were dirty from playing outside all day.
- The kitchen floor was dirty and needed to be mopped.
morally unclean
Involving dishonest or immoral actions; not pure.
Synonyms
corrupt, dishonest, immoral, unethical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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dirty |
Used to describe something physically unclean, or in slang, can imply involvement in illegal or unethical activity. Has a negative connotation.
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dishonest |
Describes someone who deceives or lies. It also covers actions that involve fraud or deceit. Has a negative connotation.
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immoral |
Used to describe actions or behavior that are considered to be wrong or unethical according to societal standards. Carries a strong negative connotation.
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corrupt |
Refers to someone or something that engages in unethical, dishonest, or illegal behavior, often for personal gain. Strong negative connotation, commonly used in a political or organizational setting.
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unethical |
Refers to actions or behavior that go against professional codes or social norms of conduct. Generally used in formal or professional contexts and has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The politician was involved in dirty dealings to win the election.
- She felt guilty for her dirty lies.
unpleasant or offensive
Causing discomfort or offense; not appropriate.
Synonyms
inappropriate, indecent, offensive, vulgar.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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dirty |
Used for something that is physically unclean or involves obscene content.
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offensive |
Used for something that causes hurt, anger, or discomfort to others.
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vulgar |
Describes something lacking refinement or taste, often crude and explicit, typically in sexual context.
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indecent |
Refers to behavior or content that is not morally proper or socially acceptable, often related to sexual content.
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inappropriate |
Describes something not suitable or proper in a particular situation.
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Examples of usage
- His jokes were often dirty and made people uncomfortable.
- The movie had a lot of dirty language that offended some viewers.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that people often perceive unclean environments as less safe and less trustworthy.
- The 'disgust' emotion linked to dirty things can be traced back to evolutionary survival mechanisms, encouraging cleanliness for health.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, being 'dirty' can signify poverty or social neglect, impacting how people are treated.
- Some communities celebrate 'messy' as a form of artistic expression, particularly in performance art.
Literature
- In classic literature, 'dirty' often symbolizes moral decay or corruption, reflecting societal issues.
- Authors like Charles Dickens use the imagery of dirtiness to illustrate the harsh realities of life for the poor.
Health
- The concept of 'clean' versus 'dirty' is critical in health practices, helping prevent the spread of diseases.
- Hygiene education often emphasizes the importance of keeping hands and surfaces clean to avoid illnesses.
Origin of 'dirty'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'dirty' comes from the Old French 'dirtie', which means 'to make filthy'.
- Its roots can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic word 'dirtiz', which refers to 'dirt' or 'soiled'.
The word 'dirty' originated from the Old English word 'dirt', which meant filth or excrement. Over time, the word evolved to describe anything that is unclean, morally impure, or offensive. The concept of dirtiness has been a part of human society since ancient times, with cleanliness often associated with purity and virtue. The negative connotations of being dirty have persisted throughout history, with the word being used to describe both physical and moral impurities.
Word Frequency Rank
At #5,265 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
- ...
- 5262 observing
- 5263 specialists
- 5264 consistency
- 5265 dirty
- 5266 resigned
- 5267 ticket
- 5268 gratitude
- ...