Seamy: meaning, definitions and examples

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seamy

 

[ ˈsiːmi ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

moral degradation

Seamy refers to something that is sordid, shabby, or morally degrading. It is often used to describe aspects of a place or situation that are unpleasant or associated with vice or immorality. For example, a seamy side of a city's nightlife could refer to the illegal or immoral activities that occur away from the more glamorous or acceptable facets. Overall, it conveys a negative connotation, suggesting that something is not just unsightly but also morally reprehensible.

Synonyms

decrepit, disreputable, low-life, shabby, sordid

Examples of usage

  • The seamy underbelly of the city was revealed in the documentary.
  • She discovered a seamy aspect of the job that she hadn't anticipated.
  • The novel explores the seamy side of human nature.
  • There are many seamy characters in that part of town.

Translations

Translations of the word "seamy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sórdido

🇮🇳 नैतिकता के खिलाफ

🇩🇪 schäbig

🇮🇩 kotor

🇺🇦 підлий

🇵🇱 podły

🇯🇵 陰険な

🇫🇷 louche

🇪🇸 sórdido

🇹🇷 çirkin

🇰🇷 추한

🇸🇦 مثير للاشمئزاز

🇨🇿 pohoršující

🇸🇰 nepríjemný

🇨🇳 肮脏的

🇸🇮 pokvarjen

🇮🇸 ógeðslegur

🇰🇿 жаман

🇬🇪 არაწესი

🇦🇿 bədxah

🇲🇽 sórdido

Word origin

The word 'seamy' originates from the early 19th century, derived from the adjective 'seam', which traditionally refers to the edge or line of sewing where two pieces of fabric are stitched together. The term 'seamy' evolved from the concept of the seam being the hidden or less appealing side of a fabric, which led to its metaphorical use to describe the sordid or unsavory aspects of life. This development aligns with the duality inherent in many words, where one side may represent the more polished or desirable face, while the other reveals flaws or moral ambiguity. The evolution reflects societal perceptions of space and behavior, particularly how places and activities can have both glamorous and sordid qualities, with 'seamy' specifically highlighting the latter.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,771 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.