Crooked
/ˈkrʊkɪd/
adjectiveB1
Definition
Crooked describes something that is not straight in shape; it may be bent, twisted, or curved in an uneven way. It can also mean dishonest or unfair, like when someone cheats or breaks rules.
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⚡ See It in Action
Physically bent or not straight
- •The picture frame was crooked on the wall.
- •He drew a crooked line instead of a straight one.
- •The old path through the forest was crooked and full of twists.
Dishonest or unfair behavior
- •The crooked businessman lied to his customers.
- •She was caught in a crooked deal that cheated many people.
- •People said the referee was crooked and made unfair calls.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "crooked" like "bent," but more uneven and not smooth—like a crooked line instead of a straight one
- ✓Picture a bent tree branch that twists oddly instead of growing straight up
- ✓It's the feeling when you see something not right or fair, like a person cheating in a game
- ✓Sounds like "crook-ed" → imagine a "crook," a person who steals, making the word remind you of dishonesty
- ✓Think of a crooked smile that is a little lopsided, not even on both sides
- ✓NOT like "straight" (which means even and direct), crooked is uneven and off the line
- ✓NOT like "bent" (which can be smooth), crooked often looks irregular or sharp in its bends
- ✓NOT like "honest" or "fair," crooked in behavior means dishonest or unfair actions
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Bent: physically not straight, usually smooth curves (Use when the shape is curved but not sharply uneven)
- •Dishonest: behaving unfairly or untruthfully (Use when talking about unfair or illegal behavior)
- •Uneven: not smooth or regular (Use when describing irregular shapes or surfaces)
- •Twisted: turned or bent in a spiral or irregular shape (Use when shape is more complex or spiraled)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "crook" + suffix "-ed" (which makes adjectives from nouns or verbs)
- •Etymology: from Old English "crōc," meaning a bend or hook
- •Historical development: originally meant bent or hooked shape, later also used for dishonest people (because thieves might carry hooks or bend rules)
- •Modern usage: used for both physical shapes and to describe dishonest or unfair behavior
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can something be crooked but still useful or beautiful? How do you feel about crooked shapes in art or nature?
•Why do you think the word crooked is used to describe both shapes and dishonest behavior? What connection do you see?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The picture was crooked because it was hung ___ on the wall.
2.When someone is crooked in business, they often ___ others to gain money unfairly.
3.A crooked path usually has many ___ and turns, not a straight line.
4.She gave a crooked smile that was ___ on one side and straight on the other.
5.Unlike a smooth curve, a crooked line looks ___ and uneven.
6.The referee was called crooked because he made ___ decisions during the game.
7.When the tree grew crooked, it was because of strong ___ pushing it sideways.