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Dusty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dusty

[หˆdสŒsti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

room

Covered with dust

Synonyms

dirty, gritty, powdery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dusty

Use 'dusty' when referring to something covered with or full of dust. This is often used for surfaces or items that haven't been cleaned in a while.

  • The old bookshelf was dusty after years of neglect.
  • The road was dry and dusty after the long summer.
dirty

Use 'dirty' to describe something that is unclean, covered with dirt, mud, or stains. This word has a broader meaning and can also suggest moral impurity.

  • His hands were dirty from working in the garden.
  • The child wore a dirty shirt covered in food stains.
gritty

Use 'gritty' to describe something that feels like it has small, rough particles, such as sand or grit. It also can be used metaphorically to describe something showing courage and determination.

  • The beach towel felt gritty from the sand.
  • Her gritty determination to succeed was inspiring.
powdery

Use 'powdery' when something resembles or feels like fine, loose particles or powder. Often used for substances like flour, snow, or makeup.

  • The ground was covered with a thin, powdery layer of snow.
  • The makeup left a powdery residue on her skin.

Examples of usage

  • The shelves were dusty and neglected.
  • Her hands were dusty from digging in the garden.
Context #2 | Adjective

memories

Having a feeling of age and neglect

Synonyms

forgotten, neglected, old.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dusty

Used to describe something covered in a layer of dust, often referring to places or objects that haven't been cleaned or used in a while.

  • The attic was dusty, filled with old boxes and spiders.
  • She wiped the dusty book cover before opening it.
old

Describes something that has existed for a long time, often used neutrally to indicate age, without necessarily implying neglect or disuse.

  • The old house had a lot of character.
  • He was fascinated by the old, historic buildings in the city.
neglected

Indicates something or someone that has been ignored or not taken care of for a long time, often carrying a negative connotation.

  • The neglected garden was overrun with weeds.
  • She felt neglected and unappreciated in her job.
forgotten

Describes something or someone that is no longer remembered or considered important, often implying that it has lost significance.

  • The old playground looked sad and forgotten.
  • His contributions to the project were forgotten by the new team.

Examples of usage

  • The old photo albums were filled with dusty memories of days gone by.
  • The abandoned house was filled with dusty furniture.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Dust is made up of tiny particles of various materials, including skin cells, pollen, and bits of fabric.
  • Indoor dust can contain pollutants and allergens, which can affect air quality and health.
  • Dust storms can carry particles over long distances, impacting weather patterns and soil conditions.

Literature

  • In literature, 'dusty' often symbolizes neglect, decay, or the passage of time, making it a powerful descriptor.
  • Famous works often use 'dusty' imagery to evoke forgotten memories or ancient civilizations, such as a dusty old book representing lost knowledge.
  • 'The Dusty Road' is a common metaphor in poetry, representing life's hardships that are often overlooked.

Culture

  • Dusty environments, like deserts, have influenced various cultural practices and art forms, reflecting resilience and adaptation.
  • In some cultures, dust is connected to spiritual beliefs, symbolizing mortality and the cycle of life.
  • Music genres like blues often reference 'dusty roads' as they narrate stories of struggle and perseverance.

Origin of 'dusty'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'dust' which means specks of dirt or earth.
  • The term 'dusty' has been in use since the 14th century and reflects a state of being covered in dust.
  • In Middle English, it was spelled 'dusty' similar to how we say it today, showing how some words can stay the same over time.

The word 'dusty' originated from the Middle English word 'dusti', which is derived from the Old English word 'dustig', meaning 'dusty'. The word has been used to describe things covered with dust or having a feeling of age and neglect since the 14th century.

See also: dust, duster, dusting.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,300, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.