ruddy
12 synonyms and 2 antonyms for ruddy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Having a healthy reddish color, especially in the face.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
From Old English rudiġ, related to "rud" (redness) — the mild-swear sense developed later as a polite substitute for "bloody."
Full origin of ruddy →Frequently asked questions
What does “ruddy” mean?
The word “ruddy” means having a healthy reddish color, especially in the face. In plain terms, having a healthy red-cheeked glow — or, informally in Britain, a way to add emphasis similar to "bloody" but milder.
How do you pronounce “ruddy”?
“Ruddy” is pronounced RUH-dee (/ˈɹʌdi/ in IPA).
How do you use “ruddy” in a sentence?
Here is “ruddy” used in a sentence: “The children came in from the cold with ruddy cheeks.”
What is another word for “ruddy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ruddy” include bally, bleeding, blimming, bloody and blooming.
What part of speech is “ruddy”?
“Ruddy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ruddy” come from?
The word “ruddy” comes from Old English. From Old English rudiġ, related to "rud" (redness) — the mild-swear sense developed later as a polite substitute for "bloody.".
How many meanings does “ruddy” have?
“Ruddy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a healthy reddish color, especially in the face.
