Lascivious
Adjective
Definition: Feeling or revealing an overt sexual interest or desire.
Synonyms: Lustful, Lewd, Licentious
Antonyms: Chaste, Modest, Pure
Examples:
- His lascivious gaze made her uncomfortable.
- The movie contained several lascivious scenes.
Mnemonics:
- Think of "las-" as "lust" or "lewd".
- Imagine a visual representation of a person engaging in sexually suggestive behavior.
Etymology:
Origin:
Middle English "lascivious", from Latin "lascivus", from "lascivia" meaning "wantonness" or "licentiousness".
Historical Usage:The term dates back to the 15th century and has been used consistently throughout history to describe overt sexual interest or desire.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Lascivious thoughts"
Explanation:Referring to lustful or erotic thoughts that involve strong sexual desire.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Considering lasciviousness as the same as being passionate or having a healthy sexual appetite.
Explanation:Lasciviousness implies an excessive or overly explicit interest in sexual matters that may be considered inappropriate or offensive. It goes beyond normal sexual desire or passion.