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adj

promiscuous

pruh-MIHS-kyoo-uhs
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Promiscuous (adj) means having sexual relationships with many different partners, often casually. Example: “The show was criticized for portraying its promiscuous characters without any consequences.”

adj
1
Having sexual relationships with many different partners, often casually.
"The show was criticized for portraying its promiscuous characters without any consequences."
2
Made up of a disorganized mix of different, unrelated elements.
"The essay was a promiscuous jumble of ideas that never quite came together."

How to use promiscuous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMost often describes someone with many casual sexual partners; can also describe a disorderly mixture.

Common mistake

In networking, "promiscuous mode" describes a network card that reads all traffic rather than just its own — a technical, non-judgmental use of the word.

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Word forms

Comparative
more promiscuous
Superlative
most promiscuous
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The show was criticized for portraying its _____ characters without any consequences.

Etymology

From Latin prōmiscuus ("mixed, undivided"), from prō- ("forth") plus misceō ("to mix").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for promiscuous

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of promiscuous?
"promiscuous" (adj) means having sexual relationships with many different partners, often casually.
What is another word for promiscuous?
Other words for "promiscuous" include abandoned, common, easy, fast, lascivious, lewd.
What is the opposite of promiscuous?
Opposites of "promiscuous" include chaste, celibate, virginal.
What are the different meanings of promiscuous?
"promiscuous" has 2 main meanings: 1. Having sexual relationships with many different partners, often casually; 2. Made up of a disorganized mix of different, unrelated elements.

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