Livid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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livid

[หˆlษชvษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Extremely angry; furious.

Synonyms

angry, furious, infuriated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
livid

Generally used when someone is extremely angry to the point of turning visibly pale or flushed. It can imply a degree of shock or intensity.

  • She was absolutely livid when she found out someone had scratched her car.
  • His face turned livid when he heard the news.
angry

A common term used to describe a feeling of strong displeasure or annoyance. Suitable for both mild and serious situations.

  • He was angry about the delay in the delivery.
  • She gets angry when people interrupt her.
furious

Used for a very strong and intense level of anger. It implies a feeling of rage but not to the level of physical violence.

  • She was furious when she found out about the betrayal.
  • He became furious after being falsely accused.
infuriated

Indicates a state of being extremely angry, often to the point of being difficult to calm down. Typically used to describe situations where someone has been provoked.

  • His unfair treatment of the staff has infuriated everyone.
  • She was infuriated by the constant noise from the construction site.

Examples of usage

  • She was livid when she found out he had lied to her.
  • I could see the livid expression on his face.
Context #2 | Adjective

color

Having a discolored, bluish appearance caused by a bruise, congestion, etc.

Synonyms

bluish, bruised, discolored.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
livid

When describing a physical appearance, 'livid' can mean having a dark bluish appearance, often used to describe bruising. This context is less common but specific to physical characteristics.

  • His injury left a livid mark on his thigh.
discolored

Refers to something that has lost its original color or has changed color in a way that is usually unpleasant. This term is often used to describe the condition of objects or body parts that do not look healthy.

  • The old photograph was discolored by time and sunlight.
  • She noticed a discolored patch on her skin and decided to see a doctor.
bruised

Used to describe physical marks on the skin caused by an injury, or to express an emotional state of being hurt. This word can have a negative connotation, especially when describing feelings.

  • He had a bruised arm after falling off his bike.
  • Feeling bruised by the harsh criticism, she decided to take a break and reflect.
bluish

This word describes something that has a slight blue tinge or hue. It is often used for colors or physical appearances.

  • The sky looks bluish just after sunset.
  • Her eyes have a bluish tint in the sunlight.

Examples of usage

  • His face was livid with rage after the argument.
  • The livid bruise on her arm was starting to fade.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Strong emotions like anger can have physical manifestations, such as flushing or in contrast, turning pale, which relates to the meaning of the word.
  • The expression of anger, or feeling 'livid,' can influence how oneโ€™s body responds, often leading to increased heart rate and stress hormones.
  • Research shows that expressing anger can lead to a stronger feeling of being in control, but holding it in can have negative consequences.

Literature

  • Authors often use 'livid' to describe a character's rage vividly, allowing readers to feel the intensity of their emotions.
  • In Shakespeareโ€™s work, the portrayal of intense feelings plays a crucial role in character development and plot tension.
  • The use of strong emotional words like 'livid' in poetry can create impactful imagery, enhancing the emotional depth of a piece.

Pop Culture

  • In films and literature, characters often become 'livid' in scenes of betrayal, highlighting the stakes of their emotions.
  • The term is frequently used in social media and popular dialogue to describe outrage over current events or personal conflicts.
  • Many comedians and writers use exaggerated expressions of being 'livid' for comedic effect, resonating with audiences who understand that relatable anger.

Cultural Insights

  • Different cultures have varying approaches to expressing anger; for instance, some encourage open discussion while others value restraint.
  • Terms describing anger often carry different weights in various languages, indicating cultural attitudes toward this emotion.
  • Understanding when someone is 'livid' can be crucial in communication, particularly in conflict resolution scenarios.

Origin of 'livid'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'livid' originally comes from the Latin word 'lividus,' meaning 'bluish' or 'envious.'
  • In older texts, 'livid' also described a bruised or pale appearance due to lack of blood flow.
  • The term has evolved to primarily signify intense anger, but its roots connect it to physical changes.

The word 'livid' originated in late Middle English from the Latin word 'lividus', meaning 'bluish, envious, spiteful'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include both the sense of being extremely angry and having a discolored appearance. The usage of 'livid' to describe anger became more common in the 19th century.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,994, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.