Hideously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hideously
[ˈhɪdiəsli ]
Definition
descriptive manner
The word 'hideously' is used to describe something that is extremely unpleasant or offensive to the senses, typically relating to appearance or behavior. It emphasizes a level of ugliness or repulsiveness that is beyond ordinary. In a figurative sense, it can also imply moral reprehensibility or atrociousness in actions. This adverb serves to intensify the negative characterization of whatever is being described, making it clear that it incites strong disapproval or disgust.
Synonyms
abominably, awfully, dreadfully, terribly.
Examples of usage
- The statue was hideously distorted.
- He laughed hideously at the joke.
- The hideously painted walls disturbed me.
- The crime scene was hideously chaotic.
Translations
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Origin of 'hideously'
The word 'hideously' is derived from the adjective 'hideous', which has its roots in the Latin term 'horridus', meaning 'rough, bristly, or dreadful'. The transition from Latin to English occurred through Old French in the late 14th century. Initially, 'hideous' described something that inspired fear or terror, often associated with a monstrous appearance. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass anything extremely unattractive or morally reprehensible. The adverbial form 'hideously' emerged in the English language as a means to modify verbs and adjectives, providing a heightened sense of the extremity of the ugliness or repulsiveness being described. This evolution reflects shifts in the connotations of the word from simply evoking fear to a broader application in aesthetic and moral discussions.