Sordidly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sordidly
[ˈsɔːrdɪdli ]
Definition
moral context
Sordidly refers to the manner in which something is done in a morally ignoble or dirty way. It can describe actions that are morally questionable or base in nature.
Synonyms
disgracefully, foully, shamefully.
Examples of usage
- He sordidly negotiated the deal for personal gain.
- The story was sordidly detailed, leaving nothing to the imagination.
- They lived sordidly, caring little for hygiene or appearance.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Charles Dickens frequently used the term to criticize the social injustices of Victorian England.
- In modern writing, authors often employ this word to evoke strong imagery of corruption or moral failure.
- The word's emotional weight is frequently utilized in narratives that explore themes of betrayal or ethical ambiguity.
Psychology
- Activities described as sordid can provoke feelings of disgust or shame in observers and participants.
- Research suggests that exposure to sordid behaviors in media can desensitize individuals to moral boundaries.
- Cognitive dissonance often occurs when people engage in sordid actions that contradict their beliefs about morality.
Pop Culture
- Sordid stories are prevalent in reality TV, where drama often thrives on shocking and questionable behavior.
- The term gained traction in tabloids to describe scandalous behavior of celebrities, reinforcing its association with sensationalism.
- Songs and movies often explore sordid themes to highlight the darker sides of human nature, making them more relatable.
History
- Historical accounts often detail sordid practices in various cultures, reflecting the complexity of human morality.
- The term can describe the exploitation and mistreatment of marginalized groups throughout history.
- Sordid events in political history are frequently analyzed to understand the motivations behind corrupt leaders' actions.
Origin of 'sordidly'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Latin word 'sordidus,' meaning dirty or unclean.
- The term entered the English language in the early 19th century, emphasizing a moral decay as well as physical dirt.
- In literature, it has often been used to describe actions that are not just unclean but also shameful.
The word 'sordidly' originates from the Latin word 'sordidus', which means 'dirty, filthy, or squalid'. It accentuates a sense of moral degradation or lowliness, often evoking imagery of both physical and ethical dirtiness. The transition from Latin to Middle English saw the term evolve into its current form, emphasizing its connection to not only physical states but also moral attitudes. Over time, 'sordidly' has come to embody the actions and lifestyles that are considered base or contemptible, reflecting the cultural and societal views on morality and cleanliness.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,774, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
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- 40771 ballsy
- 40772 ornateness
- 40773 congesting
- 40774 sordidly
- 40775 upstaging
- 40776 mousey
- 40777 needier
- ...