Sordid

Adjective

Definition: Involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt.

Definition: Dirty or squalid.

Synonyms: Filthy, Disgusting, Squalid, Base, Vile

Antonyms: Clean, Honorable, Decent, Pure

Examples:

The sordid details of the scandal were exposed in the newspaper.
The living conditions in the slum were sordid and unbearable.

Mnemonics:

Think of the word "sordid" as representing something dirty, filthy, or morally repugnant.
The sound of the word "sordid" is harsh and unpleasant, similar to the meaning it conveys.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French 'sordide' or Latin 'sordidus', from 'sordes' meaning "filth".

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe something morally or physically dirty or squalid.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Sordid affair"

Explanation:

Refers to a scandalous or disreputable situation, often involving illicit relationships or corrupt behavior.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing the meaning of "sordid" with "sorrowful" or "sad".

Explanation:

While "sordid" may evoke negative emotions, it specifically refers to something morally reprehensible or physically unclean rather than an emotional state of sadness.