uncleanly
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Habitually unclean; not clean in habits or person: Describes a person, animal, or thing that is consistently or characteristically dirty, grimy, or impure. It implies a persistent state or tendency toward being unclean.
Usage
The word "uncleanly" is a formal or literary adjective used to describe a characteristic lack of cleanliness. It is not commonly used in everyday modern speech, where "dirty," "filthy," or "unclean" are more frequent. It often carries a connotation of ingrained habit rather than a temporary condition.
Examples
- The uncleanly beggar was shunned by the townspeople.
- His uncleanly habits made it difficult to find a roommate.
- The stable was described as dark and uncleanly.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used in a moral or figurative sense, though this is archaic, to mean spiritually or ritually impure.
- The ancient text warned against touching uncleanly objects.
- It can function as an adverb (archaic), meaning "in an unclean manner," but this usage is very rare in contemporary English.
- He lived uncleanly, with little regard for hygiene. (adverbial use)
Variants and Related Words
- Unclean (adj.): The more common adjective meaning not clean. While "unclean" can describe a state, "uncleanly" specifically describes a habitual trait.
- Uncleanliness (n.): The state or habit of being uncleanly.
- The uncleanliness of the kitchen was appalling.
Synonyms
- Dirty
- Filthy
- Grubby
- Squalid
- Unwashed
Antonyms
- Cleanly
- Clean
- Hygienic
- Spotless
- Tidy