lurid

/'ljuərid/

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Word: Lurid

Part of Speech: Adjective

Basic Definition:

"Lurid" describes something that is very bright, vivid, or shocking, often in a way that feels unnatural or disturbing. It can refer to colors, stories, or descriptions that are intense and sensational.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "lurid" to describe: - Bright, unnatural colors (like a sunset or flames). - Graphic or shocking details in stories or news reports. - Anything that seems excessively sensational or dramatic.

Examples:

1. The painting had a lurid red background that made it stand out in the gallery.
2. The news report included lurid details about the accident, making it hard to watch.
3. She told a lurid tale about her adventures, full of excitement and danger.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "lurid" can be used to describe: - Literature or films that exploit sensationalism for effect, often focusing on horror or violence. - Situations or lifestyles that are morally questionable or shocking, such as "a lurid lifestyle filled with scandal."

Word Variants:

• Luridly (adverb): In a lurid manner.
  • Example: The story was told luridly, emphasizing every gruesome detail.
• Luridness (noun): The quality of being lurid.
  • Example: The luridness of the movie made some people uncomfortable.

Different Meanings:

While "lurid" primarily deals with vividness and shocking content, its connotations can vary depending on context: 1. Vivid and Bright: Referring to colors that are striking or intense. - Example: The lurid colors of the sunset made the sky look almost otherworldly. 2. Shocking and Graphic: Referring to disturbing or sensational details in stories or news. - Example: The book was criticized for its lurid descriptions of violence.

Synonyms:

• Shocking
• Sensational
• Vivid
• Gruesome
• Ghastly
• Graphic

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "lurid" doesn’t have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you might encounter phrases that convey similar ideas: - "Paint a vivid picture": To describe something in a way that creates a strong image in someone's mind, often using intense details. - Example: The author painted a vivid picture of the crime scene, leaving readers shocked.

Summary:

"Lurid" is a descriptive word that captures the essence of something that is shockingly bright, graphic, or sensational.

Academic

Adjective

1. ghastly pale
   • moonlight gave the statue a lurid luminence
2. shining with an unnatural red glow as of fire seen through smoke
   • a lurid sunset
   • lurid flames
3. glaringly vivid and graphic; marked by sensationalism
   • lurid details of the accident
4. horrible in fierceness or savagery
   • lurid crimes
   • a lurid life

Synonyms

• shocking