Lustfully Meaning: Definition and Examples

😏
Add to dictionary

lustfully

[ˈlʌstfΙ™li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

desire, passion

Lustfully is used to describe actions or emotions that are driven by strong sexual desire or attraction. It conveys a sense of longing and craving for physical intimacy. This adverb often implies a level of uncontrolled or intense desire. Lustfully can be used in both literary and everyday contexts to denote a passionate demeanor or approach towards someone or something.

Synonyms

desirously, libidinously, passionately, sexually.

Examples of usage

  • He looked at her lustfully, his intentions clear.
  • They kissed lustfully under the stars.
  • The character in the novel acted lustfully towards her.
  • She smiled at him lustfully, igniting his interest.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many classic literary works explore themes of desire, often using characters driven by 'lust' to portray their inner conflicts.
  • Shakespeare often depicted lustful characters in plays like 'Othello', where desire drives tragic outcomes.
  • Sir Philip Sidney's sonnets reflect on lust and love, illustrating the difference between physical desire and true affection.

Psychology

  • Psychologists differentiate between lust and love, stating that lust is more about physical attraction and urges.
  • Lust is associated with hormones like testosterone and estrogen, which trigger strong desire and attraction.
  • Emotions tied to lust can lead to both positive and negative outcomes, influencing relationships significantly.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of 'lust' is a common theme in movies, often portrayed in romantic relationships or as a driving force behind character actions.
  • Songs frequently capture passionate desires, using the word 'lust' to convey intensity of feeling in romantic contexts.
  • Television shows often explore love and lust through complex character relationships, adding drama and tension to narratives.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Various cultures interpret lust in different ways; some view it as a natural human emotion, while others may stigmatize overt expressions.
  • Historically, many societies have associated lust with moral implications, leading to varying attitudes towards sexuality and desire.
  • Art from different cultures often reflects societal views on passion, ranging from celebration of lust in pieces to criticism of it in literature and philosophy.

Origin of 'lustfully'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'lust' comes from the Old English 'lust' meaning 'desire' or 'pleasure'.
  • In Middle English, it was spelled as 'lust,' which referred to desire in both sexual and non-sexual contexts.
  • The suffix '-fully' indicates the manner in which feelings or actions are expressed, adding depth to the base word.

The word 'lustfully' originates from the Middle English term 'lust', derived from the Old English 'lust', which means 'desire' or 'pleasure'. It is rooted in the Proto-Germanic '*lustwaz', which referred to 'pleasure' or 'desire'. Over time, 'lust' has evolved to encompass a wider range of meanings connected to strong desires, particularly sexual desire. The adverbial form 'lustfully' emerged to describe actions characterized by such desires. Its usage has persisted through the ages, often reflecting societal attitudes towards sexuality and desire. In literature, the term often conveys themes of passionate and sometimes reckless pursuit of pleasure. The evolution of the word also mirrors the changing perceptions of desire, morality, and sexuality in different historical contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,671, 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.