wormy

/'wə:mi/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
wormy

The apple was wormy and had to be thrown away.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Infested with or damaged by worms: Describes something, typically wood, fruit, or other organic material, that contains worms or shows signs of damage caused by worms.
    • Resembling a worm in shape or movement: Describes something that is sinuous, twisting, or has a worm-like form.
    • (Figurative) Totally submissive or groveling: Describes a person who is excessively meek, servile, or cringing, as if wriggling like a worm.
Usage and Examples
  • Adjective (Infested/Damaged):
    • The old apple was wormy and inedible.
    • They had to replace the wormy floorboards in the cottage.
  • Adjective (Resembling a worm):
    • The artist drew wormy lines that curled across the page.
  • Adjective (Figurative: Submissive):
    • After the scandal, his once-proud demeanor became wormy and obsequious.
Advanced Usage
  • "Wormy" can be used metaphorically to describe corrupt or insidious elements that eat away at something from within, similar to worms in wood.
    • The organization was brought down by the wormy corruption in its leadership.
Variants and Related Words
  • Worm (n/v): The small, slender, soft-bodied animal; or the act of moving in a twisting, sinuous manner.
  • Worm-eaten (adj): Synonymous with the primary meaning of "wormy," meaning damaged by worms.
  • Vermicular (adj): A more formal term meaning resembling a worm in shape or motion.
Synonyms
  • Maggoty: Infested with maggots (a type of larva).
  • Cringing: Behaving in a servile way out of fear or desire for approval.
  • Sinuous: Having many curves and turns.
Antonyms
  • Pristine: In its original condition; unspoiled.
  • Assertive: Having a confident and forceful personality.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • "A wormy turn of mind": (Archaic) A phrase suggesting a mean-spirited, corrupt, or groveling nature.
  • While "wormy" itself is not typically used in phrasal verbs, the root word "worm" appears in phrases like:
    • "To worm one's way into/out of something": To insinuate oneself into a situation or to escape from a situation using cunning, indirect methods.
wormy

The apple was wormy and had to be thrown away.

Adjective
  1. totally submissive
  2. infested with or damaged (as if eaten) by worms

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ tương tự

Từ gần giống