adj

lascivious

luh-SIH-vih-uhs

Lascivious (adj) means showing an excessive or improper interest in sex; lewd. Example: “The judge called the comments lascivious and inappropriate for the workplace.”

adj

Showing an excessive or improper interest in sex; lewd.

"The judge called the comments lascivious and inappropriate for the workplace."

How to use lascivious

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBehaving or looking in a sexually inappropriate, leering way.

When to use it

A formal or literary word, often used in legal or disapproving contexts rather than casual speech.

Common pairings

lascivious remarks lascivious behavior a lascivious grin

Word forms

more lascivious comparative, most lascivious superlative

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The judge called the comments _____ and inappropriate for the workplace.

Etymology

From Latin lascivus, meaning "playful" or "wanton," which took on a more sexual overtone over time.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for lascivious

yous nous pious joyous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous tedious spurious

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Frequently asked questions

What does “lascivious” mean?

The word “lascivious” means showing an excessive or improper interest in sex; lewd.

How do you pronounce “lascivious”?

“Lascivious” is pronounced luh-SIH-vih-uhs (/ləˈsɪvi.əs/ in IPA).

How do you use “lascivious” in a sentence?

Here is “lascivious” used in a sentence: “The judge called the comments lascivious and inappropriate for the workplace.”

What part of speech is “lascivious”?

“Lascivious” is an adjective.

Where does the word “lascivious” come from?

The word “lascivious” comes from Latin.