Lewd

Adjective

Definition: Crude, vulgar, or obscene, often with a sexual connotation; often used to describe behavior or language that is inappropriate or offensive.

Synonyms: Indecent, Vulgar, Obscene, Bawdy, Salacious

Antonyms: Modest, Decent, Pure, Chaste

Examples:

The comedian's lewd jokes offended many in the audience.
The book contained lewd illustrations that were deemed inappropriate for children.

Mnemonics:

Think of "lewd" as "lude," which rhymes with "rude" and can help remember the meaning of crude and offensive behavior.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'lewed,' from Old English 'lǣwede,' meaning ignorant or unlearned.

Historical Usage:

The word originally meant ignorant or unlearned, but its meaning gradually shifted towards its current definition of being indecent or obscene.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Lewd and lascivious behavior"

Explanation:

Refers to behavior that is obscene or sexual in nature, often used in legal contexts.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'lewd' with 'lewdly' or 'lewdness'.

Explanation:

'Lewd' is primarily an adjective describing behavior or language, while 'lewdly' is the adverb form and 'lewdness' refers to the state or quality of being lewd.