Ugliest: meaning, definitions and examples

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ugliest

 

[ˈʌɡlɪst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance, opinion

The term 'ugliest' is the superlative form of 'ugly', used to describe something or someone that is considered to be the least attractive in appearance. It often expresses a strong negative opinion about beauty, suggesting that no other thing or person is more displeasing to the eye.

Synonyms

most repulsive, most unattractive, most unsightly.

Examples of usage

  • She had the ugliest sweater at the party.
  • In the competition, he won the title of the ugliest dog.
  • That was the ugliest building I’ve ever seen.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old Norse 'uggligr', meaning 'awful' or 'dreadful'.
  • In Middle English, 'ugly' meant 'terrible' or 'fearful', which evolved into its current form over time.

Art and Culture

  • Throughout history, many artists have used the concept of ugliness to provoke thought and reflection on beauty standards.
  • In literature, characters described as ugly often symbolize deeper moral or ethical failings, making them complex figures.

Psychology

  • Research shows that perceptions of beauty are culturally influenced and can vary widely across different societies.
  • The 'ugly duckling' syndrome refers to how individuals often change and grow, revealing beauty over time, which is tied to self-esteem.

Media and Entertainment

  • Movies often depict villains as physically unattractive, reinforcing stereotypes about appearance and morality.
  • Reality TV shows frequently explore themes of beauty and ugliness, impacting viewers' perceptions of self-image.

Social Commentary

  • Social media has created a trend around celebrating 'ugly' moments or appearances, reversing traditional beauty norms.
  • The term 'ugliness' often sparks discussions about inclusivity and acceptance in modern society, challenging conventional beauty standards.

Translations

Translations of the word "ugliest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais feio

🇮🇳 सबसे बदसूरत

🇩🇪 hässlichste

🇮🇩 paling jelek

🇺🇦 найгірший

🇵🇱 najbrzydszy

🇯🇵 最も醜い

🇫🇷 le plus laid

🇪🇸 el más feo

🇹🇷 en çirkin

🇰🇷 가장 못생긴

🇸🇦 الأبشع

🇨🇿 nejohavnější

🇸🇰 najškaredší

🇨🇳 最丑的

🇸🇮 najgrši

🇮🇸 leiðinlegastur

🇰🇿 ең жаман

🇬🇪 ყველაზე მახინჯი

🇦🇿 ən çirkin

🇲🇽 el más feo

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,764, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.