Obscenely
/əbˈsiːnli/
adverbC1adverb form
Definition
Obscenely describes an action or situation that is very improper, offensive, or shocking, often because it breaks social or moral rules. It can also mean something done in a way that is extremely large or excessive, usually in a negative or surprising way.
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See It in Action
In a way that is offensive or morally unacceptable
- •He spoke obscenely during the meeting, shocking everyone.
- •The comedian used obscenely rude language in his show.
- •Some advertisements are obscenely inappropriate for children.
In a way that is extremely large or excessive (often negative)
- •She was paid obscenely high wages compared to others.
- •The prices in that store are obscenely expensive.
- •They spent obscenely large amounts of money on the party.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "obscenely" like "very," but used only when something is shockingly or morally wrong or extremely excessive
- ✓Picture a bright red stop sign flashing loudly in a quiet street — it feels out of place and shocking, like something obscene
- ✓It's the feeling when you see something rude or unfair that makes you uncomfortable or surprised
- ✓Sounds like "obscene-ly" → Imagine a scene that is so shocking it makes people say "Oh, that's obscene!"
- ✓Think of movies or jokes that are too rude for children — they might be called "obscene," and if done "obscenely," it means done in a very rude way
- ✓NOT like "rude" (which can be small or polite offenses), "obscene" is much stronger and often about serious moral rules
- ✓NOT like "excessive" (just too much), "obscenely" often adds a sense of moral shock or strong discomfort with the excess
Try Other Words
- •Excessively: too much or too many (Use when you want to say something is more than normal but without moral meaning)
- •Offensively: in a way that causes anger or hurt feelings (Use when focusing on causing upset or insult)
- •Improperly: in a wrong or not correct way (Use when something breaks rules or manners but less strong than "obscenely")
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "obscene" (offensive, rude) + suffix "-ly" (makes an adverb)
- •Etymology: From Latin "obscēnus," meaning "foul, repulsive, or indecent"
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s to describe things morally wrong or offensive, especially in speech or art
- •Modern usage: Used to describe actions, language, or amounts that are shockingly rude or extremely excessive
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be obscenely funny or is it always negative? How do people decide what is obscene?
•How does culture affect what is considered obscenely rude or excessive?
Fill in the blanks
1.He was paid obscenely ___ compared to his coworkers, causing jealousy.
2.The movie was criticized because it contained obscenely ___ language that many found offensive.
3.Prices have risen obscenely ___ in the last year, making it hard to buy food.
4.She talked obscenely ___ during the argument, which made others uncomfortable.
5.Unlike polite jokes, his humor was obscenely ___ and not suitable for children.
6.When someone behaves obscenely ___, it usually means they break social ___.
7.The house was decorated obscenely ___ with bright colors and too many lights.