Ugly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ugly
[ˈʌɡli ]
Definitions
appearance
Unpleasant or repulsive in appearance.
Synonyms
hideous, unattractive, unsightly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ugly |
Describes something unpleasant to look at or someone with an unattractive appearance. It is a common, general term with a slight negative connotation.
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| unattractive |
Describes someone or something that lacks beauty or charm. It's a softer, less harsh term than 'ugly'.
|
| hideous |
Used for something extremely ugly or shocking in appearance. It carries a stronger negative connotation compared to 'ugly'.
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| unsightly |
Refers to something that is unpleasant to look at, often used for objects or places. It is typically used in a more formal context.
|
Examples of usage
- She thought the painting was ugly.
- He made an ugly face at his sister.
behavior
Morally reprehensible.
Synonyms
disgraceful, shameful, unethical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ugly |
Used to describe something that is visually unappealing or unpleasant to look at. It can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or behavior that are unpleasant.
|
| disgraceful |
Describes actions or behavior that are shocking and bring shame or dishonor. Often used in formal contexts or strong disapproval.
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| shameful |
Used to describe actions that cause a feeling of regret or humiliation. Often used when discussing moral or ethical failures.
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| unethical |
Describes actions that go against moral principles or professional standards. Commonly used in professional, legal, and academic contexts.
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Examples of usage
- That was an ugly thing to say.
- His actions were ugly and selfish.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- The perception of beauty is subjective; what some find ugly, others may find unique or interesting.
- Studies show that people often associate certain traits, like symmetry, with beauty, influencing how we label things as ugly.
- Our brains are wired to quickly judge appearances, which can lead to automatic labeling of things as ugly without deeper reflection.
Pop Culture
- In fairy tales, 'ugly' often symbolizes villainy, as seen in characters like the Ugly Duckling transforming into something beautiful.
- Movies often depict 'ugly' characters who, through kindness or bravery, reveal true beauty on the inside.
Art
- In the realm of art, 'ugly' can be an artistic choice, used to provoke thought or challenge traditional beauty standards.
- Some art movements, like Dadaism, embraced what was traditionally considered ugly to question societal norms and values.
Cultural Perspectives
- Culturally, definitions of ugly differ significantly; some societies value ruggedness or imperfection, finding beauty in flaws.
- In some indigenous cultures, what is considered ugly can be a mark of uniqueness or a connection to heritage.
Origin of 'ugly'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'ugly' comes from the Old Norse word 'uggligr', which means 'dreadful' or 'fearful'.
- In Middle English, 'ugly' was often spelled 'ugli' and referred to things that were unpleasant to look at.
The word 'ugly' originated from the Old Norse word 'uggligr' which meant 'fearful' or 'dreadful'. Over time, its meaning evolved to describe something unattractive or unpleasant. The term has been used in English since the 14th century.