Egregious

Adjective

Definition: Outstandingly bad; shocking.

Synonyms: Flagrant, Atrocious, Heinous, Appalling

Antonyms: Minor, Insignificant, Negligible

Examples:

The company committed egregious violations of environmental regulations.
The athlete's egregious display of unsportsmanlike behavior resulted in his disqualification.

Mnemonics:

"EGG"regious - to highlight something as extremely bad.

Etymology:

Origin:

From Latin "egregius," meaning 'distinguished' or 'excellent.'

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the early 16th century in the sense of 'remarkably good,' but over time, its meaning evolved to its current usage, indicating something notably negative.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Egregious error"

Explanation:

Referring to a significant and obvious mistake or blunder.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'egregious' with 'excellent' due to its historical usage.

Explanation:

Although 'egregious' originally meant 'distinguished' or 'excellent,' its meaning has shifted to denote something extremely bad or shocking.