Meaning
丑陋 describes something or someone that is extremely unpleasant to look at, either physically or metaphorically. It carries a stronger negative connotation than the simple word 丑 (ugly) alone, emphasizing not just lack of beauty but active repulsiveness or offensiveness to the eye or sensibilities.
Usage
This word is quite direct and can be considered harsh when describing people, so it's typically used in literary contexts, formal criticism, or when describing objects, behaviors, or abstract concepts. When describing people's appearance in everyday conversation, speakers often use softer alternatives. It can also describe ugly behavior, thoughts, or social phenomena metaphorically.
Examples
- 01这座建筑的外观非常丑陋，与周围环境格格不入。, .The exterior of this building is extremely ugly and clashes with the surrounding environment.
- 02战争暴露了人性最丑陋的一面。.War exposes the ugliest side of human nature.
Characters
Common collocations
- 丑陋的嘴脸ugly face/appearance (often figurative, meaning true ugly nature)
- 丑陋的行为ugly behavior
- 丑陋现象ugly phenomenon
- 暴露丑陋to expose ugliness
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to ugliness or crudeness. 陋 originally referred to narrow, cramped spaces or simple, crude dwellings, later extending to mean crude or ugly in appearance. Combined, the two characters intensify the meaning of ugliness.