Part of Speech

Adjective (past participle)

Pronunciation

/bɪˈɡraɪmd/

Definitions

1. Covered or soiled with grime or dirt.
2. Tarnished, stained, or sullied, particularly in a figurative sense, often used to describe a reputation or character.

Usage Examples

• "The walls of the old house were begrimed with years of dust and soot."
• "His once-pristine reputation became begrimed by scandal and corruption."
• "The city's streets were begrimed after the heavy rains, covered with mud and debris."

Etymology

The word "begrimed" is derived from the combination of the prefix "be-" meaning "to make" and "grime," which refers to dirt or filth. The term has been in use since the 16th century and originally described the act of making something dirty or covered with grime, specifically a dark, thick dirt. Over time, the term also evolved to describe figurative filth, referring to tarnished reputations or corrupted actions.

Synonyms

• Soiled
• Stained
• Dirty
• Tarnished
• Polluted

Antonyms

• Clean
• Purified
• Fresh
• Pristine
• Spotless

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, "begrimed" is often pronounced with a distinct emphasis on the "g" sound, sounding like "bih-GRAHYMD."
• In American English, the pronunciation tends to be softer, with less emphasis on the "g," and sounds closer to "bih-GRAHMED."
• In some regional accents, particularly in older dialects, the "e" sound might be more elongated, giving it a more formal tone.

Historical Usage

The word "begrimed" has been used in English since the 16th century. Initially, it was used to describe physical dirt or grime. Over time, it expanded to include metaphorical uses, particularly in the context of a tarnished or sullied reputation, image, or moral state. Its literary use often emphasized the idea of corruption or decay, whether physical or moral, particularly in poetic or moralistic contexts.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the concept of being "begrimed" carries a strong negative connotation. It is associated with shame, impurity, and degradation. When used metaphorically, it often refers to a loss of honor, dignity, or respect. In societies with strong values regarding cleanliness or purity, being "begrimed" could also symbolize moral corruption or a fall from grace.

More Information

"Begrimed" is a term that captures the idea of something being tainted or made dirty, whether physically or figuratively. It is a vivid expression used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe something that has become sullied or tarnished. While it is less commonly used in contemporary language, it remains a powerful term in both literary and everyday use, evoking strong imagery of filth or moral decay.