scoundrelly
/'skaundrəli/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Behaving in a dishonest, unprincipled, or wicked manner; characteristic of a scoundrel. It describes a person or their actions as being deeply dishonorable, deceitful, and lacking moral integrity.
Usage
- The word scoundrelly is used to describe behavior or character that is contemptibly dishonest or villainous. It is a strong, somewhat formal or literary term of condemnation.
- It typically functions as an attributive adjective (placed before a noun) or as a predicate adjective (following a linking verb like 'was').
Examples
- Attributive use (before a noun):
- The town was tired of the merchant's scoundrelly schemes to cheat his customers.
- They were victims of a scoundrelly plot to steal their inheritance.
- Predicative use (after a linking verb):
- His actions were utterly scoundrelly and unforgivable.
- The lawyer proved that the contract was based on scoundrelly intentions.
Advanced Usage
- Literary/Historical Context: The term is often found in historical narratives, classic literature, or formal accusations to evoke a sense of archaic or heightened villainy.
- The novel's hero finally exposed the baron's scoundrelly past.
Variants and Related Words
- Scoundrel (n): A dishonest or unscrupulous person; a villain.
- That scoundrel stole my wallet!
- Rascally (adj): Similar to scoundrelly, suggesting mischievous or dishonest behavior.
- Roguish (adj): Behaving in a mischievous or playfully dishonest way, often with less severe moral condemnation than scoundrelly.
Synonyms
- Villainous: Wicked or criminal behavior.
- Dastardly: Treacherous and cowardly.
- Unprincipled: Lacking moral principles.
- Knavish (archaic): Dishonest.
Antonyms
- Honorable: Having principles and integrity.
- Upright: Morally correct.
- Noble: Having fine personal qualities and high moral principles.
Idioms and Phrases
- While there is no common idiom using the exact word scoundrelly, the related noun is used in phrases like:
- A scoundrel of the first water: An absolute or complete scoundrel (archaic).
- The pirate captain was a scoundrel of the first water.
Adjective
-
lacking principles or scruples
-
the rascally rabble
-
the tyranny of a scoundrelly aristocracy - W.M. Thackaray
-
the captain was set adrift by his roguish crew
-
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ tương tự
Từ gần giống
Từ có nhắc đến "scoundrelly"
