licentious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "licentious" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe behavior that is sexually unrestrained or lacking moral discipline. Example: "The novel's protagonist was often criticized for his licentious lifestyle, which led to numerous scandals in his community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They longed for the gorgeous, licentious place their memories turned into paradise.The fact is that in the 18th century and today, Venice would win the title of bronchitis capital of the world if such a contest existed.

The Economist

For the Victorians, the dame represented a rare opportunity to manhandle a lady on stage, for comic and licentious effect.

The Economist

Now they show generous cleavage and an occasional full-lipped kiss.Related items Indian cinema: Let them come to BombayNov 30th 2006 AIDS in India: Could AIDS explode in India Apr 15th 2004 India's film industry: Growing upAug 10th 2000India's swelling urban middle-classes have tracked this licentious trend.

The Economist

The Guardian points out that modern man is so keen to share aspects of his life on social-media websites that he may need to be reminded to stay quiet about time spent in this licentious city.What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right?

The Economist

He shows that the former led far more interesting and no less licentious lives than the latter, and had infinitely more power and influence in politics and culture.

The Economist

Morever, it now seems certain that Pushkin's sister-in-law, Ekaterina, was already pregnant by d'Anthès before they married.But long before Ms Feinstein considers Pushkin's downfall amid the hostile, treacherous and sexually licentious members of Nicholas I's court, she draws a sympathetic, if not always approving, portrait of Pushkin's contradictory and flawed genius.

The Economist

So closely was the idea of female independence linked with licentious conduct, that nothing less than cast-iron respectability in the author would have made it palatable.Wollstonecraft did not qualify.

The Economist

Its original intention was to offer a wronged spouse assumed then to be a woman legal recourse to prosecute a licentious marriage partner and thus receive a financial settlement or child custody.

The Economist

It attracted the licentious, the cruel, the greedy and the luckless, and installed them in a fortress above the ocean.

The Economist

Chewing the fat Like-minded fellows Indian contemporary art ReprintsAn 18th-century history of music described Gesualdo's harmonies, which veer in and out of familiar scales, as "harsh, crude and licentious".

The Economist

Contrary to their licentious reputation, most players can cope with the latter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "licentious", ensure the context clearly supports the implication of unrestrained behavior, especially in a sexual context. This word carries strong negative connotations, so use it judiciously.

Common error

Avoid using "licentious" to describe actions that are merely unconventional or rebellious. "Licentious" specifically implies a disregard for sexual morality, not just a general rejection of social norms.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "licentious" functions as a qualifier, primarily describing nouns associated with behavior or individuals. It emphasizes a lack of moral restraint, especially regarding sexual conduct. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in this context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

60%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "licentious" is an adjective used to describe behavior lacking moral restraint, particularly in sexual conduct. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, encyclopedia articles, and historical contexts. While "licentious" has a neutral to formal register, remember it carries negative connotations and should be used judiciously. When using "licentious", ensure clarity and avoid confusing it with related terms like "lewd" or "immoral", which have distinct nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lascivious

Focuses specifically on overt and often offensive sexual desire; implies a crude or vulgar approach to sexuality.

dissolute

Emphasizes a general lack of moral restraint in conduct and lifestyle, not exclusively sexual.

debauched

Stresses indulgence in sensual pleasures to a degree that is harmful or degrading.

promiscuous

Specifically refers to having many casual sexual partners.

lewd

Suggests vulgar and offensive behavior, often characterized by explicit sexual references.

unchaste

Highlights a lack of sexual purity or fidelity, particularly in a marriage context.

immoral

Indicates a general violation of moral principles, which may or may not include sexual misconduct.

degraded

Suggests a loss of dignity and moral standing, often due to immoral actions.

libertine

Implies a lifestyle characterized by the pursuit of pleasure and disregard for moral constraints.

hedonistic

Focuses on pleasure as the primary goal in life, without specific regard to sexual behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "licentious" in a sentence?

"Licentious" describes behavior lacking moral restraint, particularly in sexual conduct. For example: "The historical accounts detailed the "licentious" activities of the royal court."

What words are similar to "licentious"?

Synonyms include "lascivious", "dissolute", and "debauched". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, it can be appropriate in formal writing when the context calls for a strong, negative descriptor of unrestrained or immoral behavior, especially of a sexual nature. However, be mindful of the potential for offense.

What's the difference between "licentious" and "lewd"?

"Licentious" implies a general lack of sexual restraint or morality, while "lewd" suggests vulgar and offensive behavior or expressions, often explicitly sexual. "Lewd" is more directly offensive in its portrayal.