Livid

Adjective

Definition: Furiously angry or enraged.

Synonyms: Furious, Enraged, Angry, Incensed

Antonyms: Calm, Happy, Content

Examples:
  • He was livid when he found out his car had been stolen.
  • She was livid with her friend for betraying her trust.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of livid as "livid with rage" to remember the meaning as furious or furiously angry.
  • Livid sounds similar to "livid color" which can represent the intensity and heat associated with being enraged.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "livid" originated from the Latin word "lividus", which means "bluish or leaden-colored." It was later adopted into Old French as "livide" before being brought into the English language in the late 16th century.

Historical Usage:

The word has historically been used to describe the discoloration of the body due to bruising or a lack of oxygen, leading to a bluish or grayish color. Over time, it evolved to also describe the intense rage or anger that can cause one's face to turn a similar shade.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Livid with rage"

Explanation:

This phrase emphasizes the extreme anger or fury that one may experience in a particular situation. It implies that the person is so angry that their face may turn a pale or bluish color, resembling the appearance of someone who lacks oxygen.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "livid" with "lucid"

Explanation:

"Livid" and "lucid" are unrelated in meaning. While "livid" means furiously angry or enraged, "lucid" means clear or easily understood. It is important to distinguish between the two words and their respective definitions to avoid using them interchangeably.

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