Definition

Adverb: * In a manner lacking moral restraint, especially in sexual conduct; characterized by disregard for rules or accepted standards of behavior. The word describes acting in a way that is sexually unrestrained, dissolute, or disregarding conventional morality.

Usage and Examples

The adverb "licentiously" modifies a verb to describe how an action is performed, specifically with moral abandon or sexual promiscuity. * The novel's characters lived licentiously, pursuing pleasure without thought for consequence. * He was accused of writing licentiously, filling his poems with scandalous and uninhibited themes. * The tabloid portrayed the star as behaving licentiously at the exclusive party.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: While primarily describing sexual behavior, "licentiously" can be used more broadly to imply a general disregard for rules, limits, or propriety in other areas.
  • The director used the studio's budget licentiously, funding extravagant sets without approval.

Variants and Related Words

• Licentious (adjective): The root adjective form.
  • licentious behavior
• Licentiousness (noun): The state or quality of being licentious.
  • the licentiousness of the court

Synonyms

• Promiscuously
• Dissolutely
• Debauchedly
• Wantonly
• Libertinely

Antonyms

• Chastely
• Virtuously
• Morally
• Properly
• Temperately

Adverb

1. in a licentious and promiscuous manner
   • this young girl has to share a room with her mother who lives promiscuously