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Filthiness: meaning, definitions and examples

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filthiness

 

[ ˈfɪlθi.nəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

state of being dirty

Filthiness refers to the state of being extremely dirty or unclean. It can describe both physical conditions, such as a filthy room, and moral or ethical degradation. Often, filthiness is associated with neglect or carelessness.

Synonyms

dirtiness, grime, squalor, uncleanliness

Examples of usage

  • The filthiness of the abandoned house was shocking.
  • He was dismayed by the filthiness in the kitchen after the party.
  • Interventions are needed to combat the filthiness in urban areas.

Etymology

The word 'filthiness' originates from the Old English term 'filt,' which means 'dirt, filth, or refuse.' The suffix '-ness' is used to form nouns indicating a state or condition. This construction follows a pattern seen in many English words where an adjective is turned into a noun. Over time, 'filth' and its derived forms such as 'filthy' and 'filthiness' evolved to capture not only physical dirtiness but also metaphorical filthiness, suggesting moral or spiritual corruption. The usage of 'filthiness' in various literary and social contexts has portrayed a wide range of meanings, from the physical state of things to the abstract sense of moral decay. This evolution signifies the importance of hygiene, both in physical and ethical dimensions, in human society.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,932 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.