Unsightliness: meaning, definitions and examples
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unsightliness
[ʌnˈsaɪtnəs ]
Definition
appearance
The quality or state of being unsightly; ugliness.
Synonyms
repulsiveness, ugliness, unattractiveness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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unsightliness |
When describing something that is unpleasant to look at, often regarding physical conditions or environments.
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ugliness |
When referring to something or someone lacking physical beauty, often blunt and considered rude.
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unattractiveness |
When mildly speaking about something or someone that is not appealing or pretty, less harsh than 'ugliness'.
|
repulsiveness |
When talking about something that causes strong feelings of disgust or aversion, often used in a more severe or negative sense.
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Examples of usage
- The unsightliness of the old building was a stark contrast to the modern architecture surrounding it.
- Despite its unsightliness, the sculpture had a certain charm that captivated viewers.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', combined with 'sight', indicating something not pleasant to see.
- It originated in the 14th century, evolving from the Old English term 'sīhte', meaning appearance or vision.
Art and Aesthetics
- In art, unsightliness can be used intentionally to provoke thought or convey deeper meanings, as seen in modern and contemporary styles.
- Famous artists like Francis Bacon embraced unsightliness to explore themes of human suffering and existential dread.
Psychology
- Research indicates that people's perceptions of beauty and unsightliness can be influenced by cultural backgrounds and personal experiences.
- The mere exposure effect shows that individuals might find previously unsightly things more appealing over time as they become more familiar.
Urban Studies
- In urban design, unsightliness often refers to neglected buildings or polluted areas, which can affect community morale and property values.
- Cities around the world have initiatives aimed at reducing unsightliness by promoting green spaces and art in public places.
Environmental Science
- Unsightliness in natural environments, such as waste or litter, can significantly impact wildlife and their ecosystems.
- Efforts to combat pollution often focus on reducing visual unsightliness as a part of broader environmental campaigns.
Translations
Translations of the word "unsightliness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 feiúra
🇮🇳 कुरूपता
🇩🇪 Hässlichkeit
🇮🇩 keburukan
🇺🇦 потворність
🇵🇱 brzydota
🇯🇵 醜さ (minikusa)
🇫🇷 laideur
🇪🇸 fealdad
🇹🇷 çirkinlik
🇰🇷 추함 (chuham)
🇸🇦 البشاعة (al-bashāʻa)
🇨🇿 ošklivost
🇸🇰 škaredosť
🇨🇳 丑陋 (chǒulòu)
🇸🇮 grdota
🇮🇸 ljóti
🇰🇿 сұрықсыздық
🇬🇪 ურჩხულობა (urchxuloba)
🇦🇿 çirkinlik
🇲🇽 fealdad