Hideous

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈhɪd.i.əs/ (British English), /ˈhɪd.i.əs/ (American English)

Definitions

• Extremely ugly or unattractive.
• Shocking or morally offensive.
• Horrifying or dreadful in appearance or nature.

Usage Examples

• The monster had a hideous face that frightened everyone.
• The crime scene was too hideous to describe.
• She wore a hideous dress that clashed with the theme of the party.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'hidous', from Old French 'hideus', ultimately from Frankish *hidi, meaning 'fright' or 'terror'. The word has retained its meaning of extreme ugliness or horror since its early usage.

Synonyms

• Grotesque
• Horrifying
• Repulsive
• Monstrous

Antonyms

• Beautiful
• Attractive
• Charming
• Pleasant

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈhɪd.i.əs/
• British English: /ˈhɪd.i.əs/
• Australian English: /ˈhɪd.i.əs/ (Similar to British pronunciation)

Historical Usage

Since the Middle Ages, 'hideous' has been used to describe terrifying and repulsive things, including monsters, crimes, and disasters. It appears in classical literature to evoke fear and disgust.

Cultural Nuances

While 'hideous' commonly refers to extreme ugliness, in some contexts it may be used in an exaggerated, humorous way. For example, someone might jokingly refer to an unfashionable outfit as 'hideous' without serious intent.

More Information

The word 'hideous' has been used in poetry, literature, and modern slang to emphasize disgust and horror. In gothic fiction and horror films, it often describes grotesque and monstrous appearances. The term can also refer to unethical actions, as in 'a hideous crime.'