Turpis

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Characterized by shameful, base, or morally offensive qualities; marked by ugliness or deformity in appearance; relating to actions or behavior regarded as disgraceful or indecent
2. Exhibiting traits that provoke disgust or contempt due to baseness or foulness; describing something unattractive or misshapen in form; pertaining to conduct considered dishonorable or improper
3. Denoting something morally reprehensible or vile; indicating physical repulsiveness or unsightliness; connected with deeds that are condemned for their indecency or ignobility

Etymology: Latin "turpis" meant "ugly" or "disgraceful" in its basic sense, and the moral sense of shameful dishonor grew out of the physical one. Its reach is wide: Latin writers used it of ugly things, of disgraceful conduct, and of shameful acts, so a person who behaved badly could be called "turpis" in the same breath as a shabby or unsightly object. Ancient Greek offers a close parallel in "aischros," which carried both ideas as well. The word is ancient and comes down to English mainly through Latin usage rather than through an everyday borrowing. Its modern English uses are rare and mostly learned, appearing in discussions of moral shame or in older legal and literary writing, where the Latin-derived sense of disgrace is preserved.

Synonyms: ugly, shameful, disgraceful, base, vile

Antonyms: beautiful, honorable, noble, good, virtuous