tawdry

/'tɔ:dri/

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Word: Tawdry

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "tawdry" describes something that is cheap, low-quality, or showy in a way that is not tasteful. It often refers to things that may look attractive at first but are actually of poor quality or lack real value.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "tawdry" to describe items, clothing, decorations, or even behavior that appear flashy but are not elegant or sophisticated.
• It often has a negative connotation, implying that something is not just cheap, but also trying too hard to impress in a way that seems insincere or lacking in depth.

Examples:

1. "The room was decorated with tawdry ornaments that looked good from a distance but were actually made of plastic."
2. "He wore a tawdry suit that was bright and shiny, but it looked cheap and out of place."

Advanced Usage:

• "Tawdry" can also be used metaphorically to describe actions or attitudes that seem flashy but are lacking in substance. For example, "Her tawdry attempts at gaining attention backfired when everyone saw through her insincerity."

Word Variants:

• Tawdriness (noun): The quality of being tawdry.
  • Example: "The tawdriness of the decorations was evident when the guests arrived."
• Tawdrily (adverb): In a tawdry manner.
  • Example: "He dressed tawdrily, trying to stand out in a crowd but only managing to look foolish."

Different Meanings:

While "tawdry" primarily refers to low-quality and showy items, it can also imply a lack of morals or decency in certain contexts, particularly when describing behavior or relationships that are considered cheap or scandalous.

Synonyms:

• Cheap
• Gaudy
• Showy
• Garish
• Flashy
• Meretricious (which means attractive in a superficial way)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "tawdry," but you might encounter phrases like "all flash and no substance," which convey a similar meaning.

Summary:

"Tawdry" is an adjective that describes things that are cheap and showy, often lacking in real value or taste. It is useful when you want to express that something may look good at first glance but is ultimately not worthwhile.

Academic

Adjective

1. cheap and shoddy
   • cheapjack moviemaking...that feeds on the low taste of the mob- Judith Crist
2. tastelessly showy
   • a flash car
   • a flashy ring
   • garish colors
   • a gaudy costume
   • loud sport shirts
   • a meretricious yet stylish book
   • tawdry ornaments

Synonyms

• cheapjack
• shoddy