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Meaning of foul
The primary meaning of the word "foul" refers to something that is extremely dirty, polluted, or corrupted.
Etymology of foul
The word "foul" has its roots in Old English "fūl", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "fuliz", also seen in Old Norse "fúll" and Old High German "vūl". This word is thought to be related to the Proto-Indo-European root "peu-", which meant "to rot" or "to decay".
The word "foul" has been used in the English language since the 9th century, initially to describe something that is dirty or polluted. Over time, its meaning has expanded to include connotations of moral corruption, unpleasantness, and offensiveness.
Synonyms
Definitions
- Giving a strong and unpleasant smell, especially a smell of rot, decay, or sewage
- (of a place or object) dirty and unpleasant, often in a way that is considered wrong or immoral
- (of weather) stormy or unpleasant
- (in sport) unfair or illegal, especially in a way that is intended to harm or injure someone
- (of language or behavior) rude, insulting, or offensive
Usage Examples
- The foul smell from the dumpster attracted a swarm of flies.
- The company's foul business practices led to a major scandal.
- The referee called a foul on the player for tripping his opponent.
- The foul weather made it difficult to enjoy the outdoor festival.
- The comedian's foul language got him into trouble with the audience.