livid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "livid" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is extremely angry or furious. Example: "When she found out about the betrayal, she was absolutely livid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is to Brown's eternal credit that he was livid when it was suggested that he do a deal with Tony Blair for the succession by relenting on the pound and the single currency.

The Guardian - Business

It happened right in front of the referee and I was livid that there was no reaction.

The Guardian - Sport

She built her own language of weirdly articulated human forms, hybrids, dismembered limbs and grisly heads separated from bodies, black sockets for eyes and mouth, or with tongues doubling as livid penises, disembodied phalluses ejaculating blood, women-men and howling banshees warning of death and disaster.

The Guardian - Arts

That issue is less livid than it was a month ago, but it unquestionably shaped the campaign and the result.

The Guardian - Opinion

These bulls are much less livid than the brutes that flick cowboys skyward in rodeos.

The Guardian - Sport

"She was livid.

The New York Times

Stephen was livid, absolutely furious.

The Guardian

The prime minister was livid.

The Guardian

I sent many livid emails.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now the Holyfield camp is livid.

The Guardian - Sport

Get positively livid at the idiots on the stupid/evil team, as though the fate of the nation hangs on the self-righteous vehemence of your Facebook comments.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "livid" to describe anger, ensure the context clearly indicates the intensity and potential outward manifestation of the emotion. It's stronger than "angry" but less dramatic than "enraged".

Common error

Be aware that "livid" can mean both intensely angry and discolored (bruised or pale). Make sure the context makes your intended meaning clear to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "livid" is as an adjective. Ludwig AI indicates that it modifies nouns, describing a state of intense anger or a dark, discolored appearance. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in phrases like "was livid" or "livid surgical suture".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "livid" functions primarily as an adjective, denoting either intense anger or a dark, discolored appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English, and the examples showcase its usage across varied contexts, predominantly within news and media. While both definitions are valid, the emotional connotation is more prevalent. When writing with "livid", ensure clarity to prevent ambiguity between its emotional and physical descriptive uses. Related terms include "furious", "enraged", and "pallid", which offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings. Be careful not to confuse the two meanings of the word. In conclusion, "livid" is a versatile adjective, best suited for neutral to formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Furious

Describes a state of intense anger, similar to "livid" but more direct.

Enraged

Implies an even greater level of anger than "livid", suggesting a loss of control.

Absolutely fuming

An informal expression indicating extreme anger, similar in intensity to being "livid".

Incensed

Suggests righteous anger or indignation, a specific type of "livid" feeling.

Infuriated

Highlights the act of being made extremely angry, akin to experiencing a "livid" reaction.

Irate

Expresses anger in a more formal or controlled way, while "livid" can imply outward expression.

Pallid

Refers to paleness or lack of color, one of the less common meanings of "livid".

Ashen

Similar to 'pallid', describing a pale or greyish complexion, another meaning of "livid".

Black and blue

Describes discoloration due to bruising, related to the bluish appearance that "livid" can imply.

Seeing red

An idiom expressing intense anger, comparable to the emotional state of being "livid".

FAQs

How can I use "livid" in a sentence?

"Livid" can describe intense anger, as in "He was "livid" when he found out about the betrayal." It can also describe a dark, bluish discoloration, such as "The wound turned a "livid" purple."

What's a good synonym for "livid" when describing anger?

When "livid" describes anger, you can use alternatives like "furious", "enraged", or "incensed", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What can I say instead of "livid" when describing discoloration?

When "livid" describes discoloration, consider using "pallid", "ashen", or "black and blue", which more directly convey the color and cause of the discoloration.

Is it more common to use "livid" to describe anger or discoloration?

While "livid" can refer to both intense anger and discoloration, it is more frequently used to describe a state of extreme anger. Check the context to confirm the intended meaning.