expletive — a swear word or phrase, especially one used to express anger or surprise
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a swear word or phrase, especially one used to express anger or surprise
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈeksplətɪv/
Example Sentences
- The chef dropped the hot pan and let out a stream of expletives that would make a sailor blush.
- The teacher warned students that any expletives in their essays would result in detention.
- When he saw the parking ticket, a few choice expletives escaped his lips before he could stop himself.
expletive
NOUN[/ˈeksplətɪv/]
a swear word or phrase, especially one used to express anger or surprise
a swear word or phrase, especially one used to express anger or surprise
Competitive pressure turns expletive, making moments negative!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin expletus, meaning 'filled' or 'completed,' the term originally referred to words inserted into verse or prose to fill out meter and rhythm. Over time, it came to denote words that burst forth emotionally, particularly oaths and profanities uttered in moments of strong feeling.
Breakdown
ex- (out) + -pletive (from plere, to fill). The prefix ex- conveys the sense of bursting or issuing outward, while the root suggests something that fills a gap or serves as filler.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The chef dropped the hot pan and let out a stream of expletives that would make a sailor blush.”
“The teacher warned students that any expletives in their essays would result in detention.”
“When he saw the parking ticket, a few choice expletives escaped his lips before he could stop himself.”
“The movie's rating was changed due to excessive expletives and inappropriate language.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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