grotesque — comically or repulsively ugly or distorted
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: comically or repulsively ugly or distorted
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɡroʊˈtɛsk/
Example Sentences
- My morning hair is so grotesque that even my mirror wants to quit its job.
- The grotesque sculpture in the art museum made visitors question the artist's mental state.
- His grotesque dance moves cleared the entire dance floor in record time.
grotesque
ADJECTIVE[/ɡroʊˈtɛsk/]
comically or repulsively ugly or distorted
The grotesque gargoyle on the cathedral roof made children shriek and hide behind their parents.
GROT(cave) + ESQUE(style) — discovering a statue carved in a bizarre, twisted GROT(cave) ESQUE(style), the explorer found it absolutely grotesque.
While the sunny mountain village was beautifully picturesque, the dark, twisted castle on the hill was absolutely grotesque.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Italian 'grottesca' meaning 'of a cave or grotto,' referring to the bizarre decorative art found in ancient Roman caves during the 16th century. The strange, fantastical designs gave the word its meaning of 'disturbingly ugly or absurd.'
Breakdown
grotta (Italian: cave/grotto) + -esca (Italian suffix meaning 'in the style of')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My morning hair is so grotesque that even my mirror wants to quit its job.”
“The grotesque sculpture in the art museum made visitors question the artist's mental state.”
“His grotesque dance moves cleared the entire dance floor in record time.”
“The Gothic novel described grotesque creatures lurking in the shadows.”
📚Related Words
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