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lurid

Adjective

IPA /ˈlʊərɪd/

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Meaning in plain English

Presented with shocking detail intended to excite or disturb people.

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Pronunciation

lurid/ˈlʊərɪd/

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A factual account reports what happened
Another account highlights shocking detail
It aims to excite or disturb readers

A lurid account presents events in a sensational, shocking way.

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The magazine's lurid account of the quarrel made me uncomfortable.
The tutor asked the student to replace lurid speculation with evidence.

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The magazine's ________ account of the quarrel made me uncomfortable.

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lurid — Presented with shocking detail intended to excite or disturb people.

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Presented with shocking detail intended to excite or disturb people.

Compare: The magazine's lurid account of the quarrel made me uncomfortable.

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Word origin

From Latin luridus, originally associated with a pale or yellowish colour.

Did you know?

Lurid can also describe unpleasantly bright colours, a separate meaning from sensational reporting.

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