Gaudiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gaudiness

[หˆษกษ”หdษชnษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in fashion

The quality of being bright and showy, typically in a way that is tastelessly ornate.

Synonyms

extravagance, flashiness, ostentation.

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Word Description / Examples
gaudiness

Use 'gaudiness' to describe something that is excessively showy and often in bad taste or tacky. This term often carries a negative connotation.

  • The gaudiness of the jewelry made it look cheap rather than luxurious.
  • Her dress was criticized for its gaudiness and lack of elegance.
flashiness

'Flashiness' refers to something that grabs attention due to being bright, shiny, or eye-catching, sometimes with a suggestion of being in poor taste.

  • The flashiness of his gold watch was hard to ignore.
  • She loved the flashiness of the nightclub's neon lights.
extravagance

The word 'extravagance' is appropriate to describe something that involves excessive spending or luxury beyond what is reasonable. It often indicates a sense of wastefulness.

  • His extravagance in buying expensive cars drained his savings.
  • The party was known for its extravagance, with no expense spared in the decorations.
ostentation

The term 'ostentation' describes behavior or displays meant to attract attention and admiration, often seen as pretentious or overly showy.

  • His ostentation at the charity event was off-putting to many attendees.
  • She walked into the room with an air of ostentation, flaunting her wealth.

Examples of usage

  • The gaudiness of her outfit made her stand out in the crowd.
  • The gaudiness of the decorations overwhelmed the room.
Context #2 | Noun

general

Excessive or tasteless ornamentation.

Synonyms

garishness, ornateness, tackiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gaudiness

Use when describing something that is overly showy and lacks good taste. It often implies excessive and ostentatious decoration.

  • The gaudiness of the costume made it difficult to take the performance seriously
  • They criticized the gaudiness of the new hotel decor
ornateness

Used for describing something that is highly decorated, often in an elaborate and intricate manner. It does not necessarily carry a negative connotation.

  • The ornateness of the cathedral's interior was breathtaking
  • Her jewelry showcased a level of ornateness rarely seen these days
garishness

Ideal for describing something that is excessively bright and flashy, to the point of being unpleasant or offensive to look at. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • The garishness of the neon signs on the street hurt my eyes
  • She regretted the garishness of her outfit choice for the elegant party
tackiness

Best used when describing something that appears cheap, tasteless, or of low quality. This term often has a strongly negative connotation.

  • The tackiness of the souvenir shop put me off
  • He couldn't believe the tackiness of the decorations for such an important event

Examples of usage

  • The gaudiness of the building's exterior clashed with the surrounding architecture.
  • Her gaudiness in accessorizing often drew attention for the wrong reasons.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • In art, gaudiness is often critiqued, with many famous movements, like Minimalism, emerging as a reaction against overly complex and decorative styles.
  • The Baroque period is known for its gaudy decorations, with art and architecture that included elaborate sculptures and bright colors meant to impress and overwhelm viewers.

Fashion

  • Many fashion trends have included gaudy elements, such as the bright neon colors popular in the 1980s, known for making bold statements.
  • Gaudy fashion often signifies a form of rebellion or a desire for attention, seen in various cultural movements like punk or glam.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that people may gravitate toward gaudy displays as they can evoke strong emotional reactions, often linked to excitement or joy.
  • The use of gaudy materials in advertising is a strategic choice to catch the eye and create memorable impressions for consumers.

Cultural Critique

  • In literature, characters depicted in gaudy surroundings often symbolize superficiality or excess, making a statement about society's values.
  • Many critiques of pop culture highlight how gaudy elements are prevalent in reality TV and social media, reflecting a cultural obsession with spectacle over substance.

Origin of 'gaudiness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'gaudere', which means 'to rejoice' or 'to be happy', hinting at why gaudy things often try to catch attention.
  • It entered the English language in the 17th century, initially referring to brightness or joy, but evolved to describe things that were excessively ornate.

The word 'gaudiness' originated from the Old French word 'gaudir', which means 'to rejoice' or 'to make merry'. Over time, it evolved to refer to excessive ornamentation or showiness. The concept of gaudiness has been prevalent in various art forms and fashion trends, often associated with a bold and flamboyant style. While gaudiness can sometimes be seen as a negative trait, it has also been embraced as a form of self-expression and celebration of individuality.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,749, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.