thoroughpaced
Definition
- Adjective:
- Thoroughly trained or accomplished: "thoroughpaced" describes a person or animal that is fully trained, especially in all paces or steps, often implying complete mastery or proficiency in a skill or discipline.
- Complete or absolute: In a figurative sense, it means being thorough or extreme in a particular quality, often used to describe someone who is utterly devoted to a cause, habit, or characteristic (e.g., a "thoroughpaced villain" or "thoroughpaced scholar").
Usage Examples
- (The horse was fully trained in all its paces.)
- (He is a completely accomplished gentleman.)
- (She was an absolute or complete liar.)
Advanced Usage
"thoroughpaced" in equestrian contexts: Originally used for horses that have been trained in all gaits (walk, trot, canter, gallop), indicating they are well-schooled.
- The thoroughpaced stallion won the dressage competition. (The horse was expertly trained in all movements.)
Figurative use for human traits: Often employed in literature to emphasize that a person embodies a quality to the fullest extent.
- He was a thoroughpaced cynic, distrusting every promise. (He was a complete cynic, without exception.)
Variants and Related Words
Thoroughpacedness (noun): the state or quality of being thoroughly trained or complete.
- The thoroughpacedness of the actor's performance was remarkable. (The completeness of his training was evident.)
Thorough (adj): complete with regard to every detail; not superficial.
- She did a thorough job cleaning the house. (She was very detailed.)
Synonyms
- Complete: fully developed or accomplished.
- Out-and-out: absolute or total in degree.
- Consummate: showing great skill and perfection.
- Unmitigated: absolute and unqualified (often used negatively).
Related Idioms
- To be a "thoroughpaced" something: an idiom meaning to be a perfect or extreme example of a type.
- He is a thoroughpaced rogue, with no redeeming qualities. (He is a complete rogue.)
Etymology Note
- The word "thoroughpaced" derives from "thorough" (meaning "through, complete") and "pace" (a step or gait in horse riding). It originally referred to a horse that had been trained to perform all paces (walk, trot, canter, gallop) thoroughly. Over time, it extended metaphorically to describe any person or thing that is entirely accomplished in a particular trait.