Word: Hangdog
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: The word "hangdog" describes someone who looks sad, guilty, or ashamed. It often refers to a person who seems to be frightened or submissive, as if they are feeling sorry for something they did or didn’t do.
Usage Instructions: You can use "hangdog" to describe a person’s expression or demeanor when they feel guilty or are trying to avoid trouble. It is often used in informal contexts.
Examples: 1. After forgetting his friend’s birthday, Tom had a hangdog look on his face when he arrived at the party. 2. The dog had a hangdog expression after being scolded for chewing on the furniture.
Advanced Usage: In literature or more advanced writing, "hangdog" can be used to describe characters who are portrayed as defeated or demoralized. For example, one might say, "The hangdog demeanor of the defeated soldier reflected his deep sense of loss."
Word Variants: - There are no direct variants of "hangdog," but it can be used in different forms such as "hangdoggedly" (adverb) to describe how someone might act in a hangdog manner.
Different Meanings: - "Hangdog" primarily describes a person's expression or attitude, but it can also refer to a situation where someone feels defeated or guilt-ridden.