Foully: meaning, definitions and examples

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foully

 

[ ˈfaʊli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

moral behavior

Foully is used to describe actions or behaviors that are morally wrong, disgusting, or offensive. It usually conveys a strong sense of disapproval and can imply a violation of social norms. The word often appears in contexts where someone has acted in a heinous or vile manner. It suggests a level of repulsiveness that goes beyond ordinary wrongdoing.

Synonyms

abominably, atrociously, horribly, vilely, wickedly

Examples of usage

  • He spoke foully about his opponents.
  • The crime was committed foully and without remorse.
  • She foully betrayed her friends.
  • They were foully attacked without any provocation.

Translations

Translations of the word "foully" in other languages:

🇵🇹 de maneira vil

🇮🇳 घृणित तरीके से

🇩🇪 übel

🇮🇩 dengan buruk

🇺🇦 огидно

🇵🇱 podle

🇯🇵 卑劣に

🇫🇷 de manière odieuse

🇪🇸 de manera vil

🇹🇷 aşağılık bir şekilde

🇰🇷 비열하게

🇸🇦 بشكل قبيح

🇨🇿 hnusně

🇸🇰 podle

🇨🇳 卑鄙地

🇸🇮 podlo

🇮🇸 snyrtilega

🇰🇿 жаман түрде

🇬🇪 ბოროტად

🇦🇿 pisl şəkildə

🇲🇽 de manera vil

Etymology

The word foully comes from the Middle English term 'foul' which means 'dirty' or 'unclean', deriving from the Old English 'fūl', which has similar meanings. It is related to the Proto-Germanic '*fūlaz', indicative of something that is repugnant or morally corrupt. The adverbial form '-ly' was added to form foully, linking the notion of being dirty or morally repugnant with an action. Over time, the word has been utilized in literature and rhetoric to emphasize the severity and depth of immorality. The historical usage reflects societal concerns about morality and behavior, illustrating how language evolves to express human experience and cultural values.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,438 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.