Definition
Livid refers to someone who is extremely angry or furious, often to the point of being visibly discolored or turning red. It can also describe someone who is pale and sickly-looking, often as a result of illness or shock.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Furious, enraged, incensed, irate, infuriated
Antonyms
Calm, content, pleased, happy
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | lividnesses, lividities, lividness, lividity |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | livid |
| Adverb | lividly |
Example Sentences
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She was livid with anger when she discovered that her partner had lied to her.
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After being kept waiting for hours, the customers became livid and began to shout at the manager.
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When the coach made the controversial decision, the fans were livid and started to throw objects onto the pitch.
-
His face turned livid with anger as he realized he had been betrayed.
Usage
The word livid comes from the Latin word “lividus,” meaning “envious” or “jealous,” but over time its meaning has shifted to refer specifically to anger. The term is often used to describe someone who is beyond just angry, but has become so consumed by their emotions that they are physically shaking or even trembling. In some cases, a person may be so angry that they become temporarily discolored or flushed. This color change is due to increased blood flow to the face, and it is often seen as an indication of the intensity of the person’s anger.
The word livid can also describe someone who is pale and sickly-looking, often as a result of illness or shock. In this context, it is often used to describe someone who has just experienced something traumatic or is suffering from a serious illness. For example, someone who has just received bad news or has been in a car accident may be described as looking “livid.”
Livid is often used in informal contexts, especially in conversation or in writing that has a conversational tone. It is a strong word, and should be used sparingly. When used appropriately, however, it can convey a powerful sense of anger or distress. It is worth noting that in some contexts, the use of livid to describe someone who is pale and sickly-looking may be considered outdated or insensitive, as it can be seen as stigmatizing illness or trauma.