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grotesquecomically 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.
💡 Concept

The grotesque gargoyle on the cathedral roof made children shriek and hide behind their parents.

At her desk, she creates a look grotesque for tonight's burlesque!
🎵 Rhyme

At her desk, she creates a look grotesque for tonight's burlesque!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɡroʊˈtɛsk/
🇬🇧 UK/ɡrəʊˈtɛsk/

🌳Etymology

Rootgrott
Suffix--esque

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

deskesqueburlesque
desk
esque
burlesque

🔗Collocations

grotesque figure
grotesque mask
grotesque appearance
grotesque distortion
grotesque imagery
utterly grotesque

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

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.

😄 Fun example

His grotesque dance moves cleared the entire dance floor in record time.

The Gothic novel described grotesque creatures lurking in the shadows.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

hideousmonstrousbizarredistortedghastly

Antonyms

beautifulelegantattractive

Related

gargoylecaricaturemacabresurreal

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