Prudish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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prudish
[ˈpruː.dɪʃ ]
Definitions
behavior
Having or showing a too great readiness to believe things and therefore unable to believe that people do bad or immoral things
Synonyms
puritanical, straight-laced, uptight.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prudish |
Use 'prudish' when describing someone who is excessively proper or modest, especially about sexual matters. It often has a negative connotation and suggests an overreaction to normal behavior.
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| puritanical |
Use 'puritanical' to describe someone who has very strict or severe moral beliefs, often related to social or sexual conduct. It has a negative tone, implying that the person's standards are excessively rigid.
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| uptight |
Use 'uptight' to describe someone who is overly concerned with propriety, or who is unable to relax and let go. This term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the person is unnecessarily tense or anxious.
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| straight-laced |
'Straight-laced' refers to someone who is very rigid in their views and behavior, adhering strictly to traditional or conventional values. It can be used both in negative and neutral contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She's prudish about sex.
- He's too prudish to watch certain movies.
- Don't be so prudish, it's just a joke.
appearance
Excessively modest or proper in a way that is considered boring or old-fashioned
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prudish |
Used to describe someone who is excessively concerned with modesty or propriety, especially in a way that seems old-fashioned or overly strict. This term can often have a negative connotation.
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| prim |
Often used to describe someone who is very formal, proper and neat, possibly to the point of being overly stiff or fussy.
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| prissy |
Used to describe someone who is excessively proper or easily offended by things that are not seen as proper or polite. This word often carries a sense of being overly fussy or delicate.
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| stuffy |
Often refers to someone who is very conservative, formal, and not open to new ideas or ways of doing things. It can also describe places that are uncomfortably closed or lack ventilation.
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Examples of usage
- She wore a prudish outfit to the party.
- The prudish decor in the room made it feel outdated.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'prudish'
The word 'prudish' originated in the late 16th century from the term 'prude,' meaning a woman who is or claims to be easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity. Over time, 'prudish' evolved to describe someone who is excessively concerned with modesty or propriety, often in a negative or judgmental way.