lascivious

USAGE SUMMARY

'lascivious' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective meaning given to the indulgence of excessive sexual desire. Example sentence: He ogled her with lascivious intent.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes a lascivious voiceover will remark on her charms.

The Guardian - Opinion

A tendency to drool lends it a lascivious element.

The Guardian - Film

The first two Lovelace books, published in the 70s, were lascivious tales of her adventures as a "superfreak".

The Guardian - Film

Though he could be lascivious in Secret Agent and Strange Cargo (1940) or erotically obsessed in Karl Freund's Mad Love (1935), onscreen sexlessness suited Lorre, who was rarely (if ever) allowed a successful romantic relationship.

The Guardian - Film

Dangling above her is the Damoclean sword included in the bar's name: a silver shower nozzle, positioned to spray flesh-revealing water on a dancer below.Such gimmicks are common in Thamel's bars, where competition for lascivious males is fierce.

The Economist

On July 6th he at last admitted that they had been having an affair.The result is the perfect Washington summer story, not only involving an infatuated young woman and a lascivious congressman who is "not a suspect" but also echoing the Lewinsky affair.

The Economist

The vast majority, however, fall into two categories: tourist guidebooks and thin novels written by lascivious expatriate men, whose covers feature good-looking Thai women.

The Economist

The calumnies heaped upon the Spaniards are suitably ancient (they are reputed, among other things, to be diseased, criminal and lascivious).

The Economist

Its original purpose to screen women's hair, once considered a particularly sensual human feature, from the lascivious gaze of men has long been overlaid with political and feminist significance.

The Economist

The group will remain chastely within its own walls, away from the lascivious attentions of Citi's investment bankers.In this section The Pitt and Webster show Bleak households Will the owners please stand up?

The Economist

Throughout history slaves have often been considered to be stupid, uneducable, childlike, lazy, untruthful, untrustworthy, prone to drunkenness, idle, boorish, lascivious, licentious, and cowardly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lascivious" when you want to convey a strong sense of uncontrolled or excessive sexual desire, often in a disapproving or critical context.

Common error

Avoid using "lascivious" in situations where a milder term like "sensual" or "flirtatious" would be more appropriate, as "lascivious" carries a strong negative connotation.

Linguistic Context

The word "lascivious" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective. It modifies nouns by ascribing to them a quality of being driven by or exhibiting excessive and often offensive sexual desire. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples illustrating its adjectival role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

28%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "lascivious" is used to describe someone or something characterized by or expressing lust. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It carries a strong negative connotation, often implying excessive and offensive sexual desire. The word is frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, as well as other formal and informal contexts. When using "lascivious", consider the intensity of the term and whether a milder alternative like "sensual" or "flirtatious" might be more appropriate. Semantically related words include "lecherous", "libidinous", and "lustful", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lecherous

Implies excessive or offensive sexual desire, often with predatory behavior.

libidinous

Refers to having or characterized by excessive sexual drive.

lustful

Directly expresses strong sexual desire.

licentious

Suggests disregard for sexual restraints or morality.

salacious

Indicates something obscene or lustful.

bawdy

Humorously coarse or indecent.

wanton

Suggests a reckless or brazenly immoral quality.

prurient

Characterized by an excessive interest in sexual matters, often of a voyeuristic nature.

randy

Colloquial term suggesting sexual excitement or arousal.

racy

Slightly indecent or suggestive.

FAQs

How can I use "lascivious" in a sentence?

You can use "lascivious" to describe someone's gaze, behavior, or thoughts. For example, "He gave her a "lascivious look"" or "The play featured a "lascivious character"."

What words are similar to "lascivious"?

Synonyms for "lascivious" include "lecherous", "libidinous", and "lustful". Choose the word that best fits the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lascivious" in formal writing?

While "lascivious" is a valid word, its strong connotation makes it more suitable for descriptive writing or analytical contexts where you're discussing sexuality or desire. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your work.

What is the difference between "lascivious" and "sensual"?

"Lascivious" implies an overt and often offensive or predatory sexual desire, while "sensual" refers to the enjoyment or expression of physical pleasures in a more tasteful or artistic way.