Slovenly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slovenly

[ˈslʌvənli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

appearance

Untidy and dirty; showing a lack of care or attention to detail.

Synonyms

disheveled, messy, slapdash, untidy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slovenly	Describes a person or behavior that is habitually careless and neglectful of neatness. Typically used to criticize someone's permanent lack of tidiness. His slovenly habits were a constant source of frustration for his roommates. The slovenly appearance of the office raised concerns about their professionalism.
untidy	Describes something that lacks neatness or order. Generally refers to personal appearance or physical spaces. The untidy desk was filled with papers and various clutter. He looked quite untidy with his uncombed hair and wrinkled shirt.
messy	A common word for a general lack of order or cleanliness. Can refer to both physical spaces and situations. Her room was always messy with clothes and books strewn everywhere. The breakup left their relationship in a messy state.
disheveled	Used to describe someone or something that is messy or untidy due to being in disarray. Often implies temporary disorder rather than habitual untidiness. She came to the meeting looking disheveled after being caught in the rain. After the long journey, his clothes were disheveled and wrinkled.
slapdash	Indicates something done carelessly and too quickly, without attention to detail. Carries a strong negative connotation of poor quality work. The project was finished in a slapdash manner, leading to multiple errors. His slapdash approach to cooking often resulted in unappetizing meals.

Examples of usage

She lived in a slovenly apartment with clothes strewn all over the floor.
The slovenly appearance of the employee did not reflect well on the company.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

behavior

In a careless and untidy manner.

Synonyms

carelessly, haphazardly, untidily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slovenly	This word is used to describe something or someone who is messy or not well-kept. It often has a negative connotation. Her slovenly appearance made a poor impression during the interview. The house was in a slovenly state, with clothes and dishes scattered everywhere.
carelessly	Used when something is done without paying attention or without much thought or concern. This can have negative implications depending on the situation. He carelessly tossed the keys onto the table, not noticing they fell to the floor. She carelessly drove through the stoplight, almost causing an accident.
untidily	Used to indicate that something is not neat or orderly. It is softer than 'slovenly' but still carries a negative implication. He untidily scribbled a note to his friend. The papers were untidily arranged on his desk.
haphazardly	Describes something done in a random, chaotic or disorganized way, without any systematic planning. The word often implies a lack of preparation or order. Books were stacked haphazardly all over the room. The decorations were placed haphazardly, with no regard to symmetry or design.

Examples of usage

He slovenly threw his clothes on the floor.
She slovenly completed her work without paying attention to details.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that a messy environment can lead to increased stress and distraction.
Clutter can be indicative of deeper emotional issues, such as anxiety or depression.
People with 'slovenly' habits may struggle with organization and time management, affecting productivity.

Literature

The character of Tristram Shandy in Laurence Sterne's novel displays a 'slovenly' approach to storytelling, reflecting his chaotic thoughts.
Slovenliness is often depicted in literature as a theme to critique societal norms about cleanliness and order.
Charles Dickens frequently used 'slovenly' characters to expose the pitfalls of neglect in Victorian society.

Cultural Observations

'Slovenly' behavior can vary across cultures, with some societies embracing a more relaxed approach to tidiness.
In today's social media-driven world, being 'slovenly' might be portrayed as authentic or vintage, challenging traditional views of cleanliness.
Cultural humor often pokes fun at 'slovenly' habits, showcasing the tension between neatness and carefree living.

Pop Culture

In film and television, 'slovenly' characters often serve as comic relief, highlighting the differences between them and more put-together peers.
Popular cartoons frequently feature 'slovenly' characters to exaggerate their lazy or carefree attitudes, making them relatable to the audience.
'Slovenly' can be a trope in various genres, often used in stories about personal growth where a character transforms from disordered to organized.

Origin of 'slovenly'

Main points about word origin

Derived from the Middle English term 'slovene,' referencing a person who is careless or messy.
The word has connections to 'sloven,' which originally meant a person who neglected their personal appearance.
First recorded use of 'slovenly' was in the 1600s, reflecting societal views on cleanliness and order.

The word 'slovenly' originated in the 16th century from the Middle English 'sloven', meaning 'a dirty, untidy, or slovenly person'. It has evolved over time to describe both appearance and behavior characterized by a lack of care or attention to detail.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,663, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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23660 literati
23661 gran
23662 hadron
23663 slovenly
23664 flagella
23665 hyperthermia
23666 argent
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