bedaub
/bi'dɔ:b/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To spread or smear a substance (often a thick, sticky, or messy one) over a surface, typically in a careless, excessive, or untidy manner.
- To cover or decorate something in a showy, gaudy, or tastelessly excessive way.
Usage
The verb "bedaub" describes the action of applying a substance, usually implying the result is messy, uneven, or overly ornate. It often carries a negative connotation of carelessness or vulgar excess.
Examples
- Verb:
- The children bedaubed the walls with finger paint.
- The statue was bedaubed with garish gold paint, ruining its classical beauty.
- He bedaubed his toast with an enormous amount of butter and jam.
Advanced Usage
- "to bedaub oneself with": To apply a substance (like makeup, lotion, or mud) to one's own body in a thick or excessive way.
- The actor bedaubed himself with fake blood for the horror scene.
- Used figuratively to describe covering something with non-physical attributes in an excessive way.
- His speech was bedaubed with flattery and insincere compliments.
Variants and Related Words
- Daub (verb): To coat or smear with a thick, sticky substance. ("Daub" is the root action, while "bedaub" often emphasizes the resulting state of being covered.)
- Bedaubed (adjective): Describing something that has been smeared or covered in such a manner.
- The bedaubed canvas was a mess of colors.
Synonyms
- Smear: To spread a substance thinly or carelessly.
- Slather: To spread or apply thickly and generously.
- Plaster: To apply a thick layer, often implying complete coverage.
- Besmear: A close synonym meaning to smear over.
Antonyms
- Clean: To make free from dirt or marks.
- Wipe: To clean or dry by rubbing.
- Purify: To remove contaminants from.
Related Phrases/Idioms
- "Bedaub with praise/flattery": An idiomatic use meaning to excessively and often insincerely compliment someone.
- The critics were bedaubed with praise by the publicist's aggressive campaign.
Verb
- spread or daub (a surface)