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Lasciviously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lasciviously

[læsˈsɪvɪslɪ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

behavior, attitude

Lasciviously refers to an action characterized by or expressing lust or lewdness. It suggests an overt or excessive display of sexual desire or an interest in sexual matters. This term is often used to describe actions, gestures, or comments that are suggestively obscene or provocative. It carries a strong connotation of immorality and intentionality in promoting lustful feelings.

Synonyms

indecently, lewdly, licentiously, lustfully.

Examples of usage

  • He smiled lasciviously at her from across the room.
  • The film was criticized for its lasciviously portrayed scenes.
  • She danced lasciviously, drawing everyone's attention.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Writers like Charles Dickens and D.H. Lawrence used the term to explore themes of desire and morality.
  • In William Blake's poetry, lascivious imagery often portrays the tension between innocence and experience.
  • The term appears in Shakespeare's works, reflecting the social attitudes towards sexuality in Elizabethan times.

Psychology

  • Psychologists suggest that lascivious behavior can reflect deeper issues, such as insecurity or a need for attention.
  • Studies in human sexuality indicate that situations and contexts can significantly influence lascivious inclinations.
  • It often ties to the concept of libido, which refers to sexual drive and its manifestation in social behavior.

Pop Culture

  • Many films and songs explore themes of lascivious behavior, presenting it as both alluring and taboo.
  • The portrayal of lascivious characters can serve as a critique of societal norms regarding sexuality in various cultures.
  • Social media influencers sometimes exhibit lascivious behavior to gain followers or attention, highlighting modern views on sexuality.

Ethics

  • Debates surrounding lascivious behavior often intersect with discussions about consent and respect in intimate relationships.
  • Societal norms about what constitutes lascivious behavior can vary greatly across different cultures and time periods.
  • In some philosophical discussions, lascivious acts raise questions about morality, objectification, and the human experience.

Origin of 'lasciviously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'lascivus', meaning 'wanton' or 'playful'.
  • In its travel to English, 'lascivious' originally carried connotations of lewdness and lack of restraint.
  • The term has been used in legal contexts as early as the 14th century to describe crimes of a sexual nature.

The word 'lasciviously' is derived from the Latin term 'lascivus', which means 'wanton' or 'playful'. This Latin root itself can be traced back to 'lascivire', implying a sense of being lustful or lewd. The term evolved through Middle French, retaining its sexual connotation. It was adopted into English around the early 17th century, where it began to be used in literary and theatrical contexts to describe characters or behaviors steeped in sexual innuendo or overt sensuality. Over time, 'lasciviously' has been used to critique the morality of actions that are excessively sexualized or suggestively obscene, often reflecting the standards of propriety of the time in which it is used.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,366, 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.