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Scandalous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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scandalous

[หˆskรฆndษ™lษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

causing general public outrage by a perceived offense against morality or law

Synonyms

disgraceful, outrageous, shocking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scandalous

This word is best used to describe actions or events that cause public outrage or disgust, often due to moral or ethical violations.

  • The politician's scandalous behavior led to a public outcry.
  • The scandalous affair was the talk of the town.
shocking

Best used for events or actions that cause a strong emotional reaction due to being unexpected or extreme.

  • The news of his sudden death was shocking.
  • Her shocking transformation amazed everyone.
outrageous

This word fits well when describing something that is shockingly excessive or unreasonable, often provoking strong reactions.

  • The price of the concert tickets was outrageous.
  • Her outrageous accusations had everyone in disbelief.
disgraceful

Best used when referring to something that brings shame or dishonor, often in a formal or serious tone.

  • The athlete's disgraceful conduct got him banned from the sport.
  • It was disgraceful how the company treated its employees.

Examples of usage

  • The scandalous behavior of the politician led to his resignation.
  • The scandalous affair between the two celebrities was all over the tabloids.
Context #2 | Adjective

quality

giving offense to moral sensibilities and injurious to reputation

Synonyms

defamatory, libelous, slanderous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scandalous

Used to describe something or someone that causes public outrage or shock due to immorality or various unethical behaviors.

  • The politician's scandalous affair made headlines
  • The company's scandalous practices led to a public boycott
defamatory

Used when referring to statements that damage someone's reputation through false information. Generally used in legal and formal contexts.

  • The celebrity filed a lawsuit against the magazine for defamatory articles
  • His defamatory remarks tarnished her professional image
slanderous

Used for false spoken statements that damage someone's reputation. Often used in the context of day-to-day conversations or slander cases.

  • The employee was fired for making slanderous accusations against his boss
  • Her slanderous comments caused him great distress
libelous

Specifically refers to written or published false statements that harm someone's reputation. It is often used in legal contexts involving media and publications.

  • The newspaper was sued for publishing libelous content
  • She won the case against the blogger for the libelous post

Examples of usage

  • The scandalous rumors about her past haunted her throughout her career.
  • The scandalous allegations were proven to be false after a thorough investigation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • The 17th century saw political scandals in Europe that shifted public opinion and led to significant changes in governance.
  • In the Victorian era, 'scandalous' behavior often referred to anything outside of strict societal norms, especially regarding relationships.
  • The Watergate scandal in the 1970s marked a turning point in American politics, showing how deeply scandalous acts can shake public trust.

Pop Culture

  • Reality television shows often thrive on scandalous moments, using drama to keep viewers engaged.
  • Celebrity gossip magazines frequently capitalize on scandalous news to sell more copies and attract readers.
  • Movies like 'The Other Woman' explore scandalous relationships, showcasing how such situations can lead to unexpected humor and conflict.

Literature

  • In many classic novels, scandal forms a crucial plot point โ€“ think of characters caught in love affairs, like in 'Anna Karenina'.
  • The concept of scandal has also been a powerful storytelling tool in plays, such as Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest'.
  • 17th-century authors often wrote about scandalous behavior to critique society and explore moral dilemmas.

Psychology

  • Scandals can cause public outrage and lead to a phenomenon known as 'moral outrage', where individuals feel strong disapproval of the actions involved.
  • The fear of being involved in a scandal often leads to social conformity, where individuals avoid actions that might be viewed negatively.
  • Human beings are generally drawn to scandal due to an inherent curiosity about taboo topics and the complexities of morality.

Origin of 'scandalous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek term 'skandalon', which means a trap or snare for catching someone.
  • This term evolved in Latin to 'scandalum', which referred to an obstacle that causes someone to stumble.
  • In English, it took on a broader meaning in the mid-1600s to include actions or events perceived as morally wrong.

The word 'scandalous' originated from the Middle French word 'scandaleux' and the Latin word 'scandalum', which means 'stumbling block' or 'offense'. It has been in use since the 17th century and has evolved to represent behavior or actions that are considered shocking or disgraceful.

See also: scandalously.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,447, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.