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Foully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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foully

[ˈfaʊli ]

Definition

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

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespearean plays, characters often commit deeds that are described as foul, highlighting moral corruption.
  • The word is frequently used in Gothic literature to evoke a sense of dread or evil actions.
  • Foully has been used in poetry to emphasize the gravity of betrayal and wrongdoing.

Ethics

  • The concept of acting foully raises questions about morality and what constitutes a wrongful act.
  • Philosophers often debate actions labeled as foul, examining the intentions behind them.
  • In ethical discussions, foully done actions are contrasted with virtuous behaviors, showcasing the spectrum of human actions.

Pop Culture

  • In various movies and books, characters that act foully are typically portrayed as villains, marking a clear distinction between good and evil.
  • Songs often use the term foully to describe betrayal or heartache, resonating with the feelings of listeners.
  • TV shows often depict foully committed acts as turning points in character arcs, emphasizing consequences.

Psychology

  • Understanding the motivations behind foully committed actions can help in grasping human behavior.
  • Research shows that individuals often rationalize foully behavior by blaming external factors or circumstances.
  • The perception of what is foully done can vary greatly among different cultures and communities.

Origin of 'foully'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Old English word 'fÅ«l', meaning dirty or unpleasant.
  • Related to the word 'foul', which has been used since the 14th century to describe something morally wrong.
  • The suffix '-ly' is used to form adverbs, indicating the manner of an action.

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.