How Do You Spell LICENTIOUS?

Pronunciation: [la͡ɪsˈɛnʃəs] (IPA)

"Licentious" is a seven-letter adjective that describes someone who lacks moral restraint, particularly with sexual matters. The IPA phonetic transcription for "licentious" is /laɪˈsɛnʃəs/, which breaks down into the following syllables: "ly" (long "i" sound), "sen" (short "e" sound), "shus" (short "u" sound). The word derives from the Latin word "licentia," which means "freedom" or "permission." Despite its somewhat challenging spelling, "licentious" is a useful and versatile term in literature, journalism, and everyday conversation.

LICENTIOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Licentious is an adjective that describes a person or behavior that displays excessive disregard for moral or social constraints. It pertains to engaging in promiscuous or sexually immoral activities, or behaving in a manner contrary to accepted moral standards.

   A licentious individual often exhibits an unrestrained or uninhibited nature, indulging in activities that are considered socially or morally unacceptable. This can include engaging in multiple sexual partners without regard for commitment or fidelity, or participating in acts that are deemed inappropriate within the boundaries of societal norms.

   In a broader sense, licentiousness can extend beyond sexual behavior to include engaging in activities that lack self-control or decency. This can encompass dishonesty, deceit, or disregarding laws or regulations. A licentious behavior disregards ethical boundaries and explores actions that are considered immoral or indecent.

   The term "licentious" carries a negative connotation, as it implies a lack of discipline or a willingness to violate established moral or social standards. It is often used to criticize or condemn individuals or practices that deviate from accepted norms of behavior.

   Overall, licentiousness refers to behavior that exhibits an extreme lack of moral or social restraint, often involving behavior and actions that are considered immoral or indecent within a given society.

2. Immoral; profligate; unrestrained by law or decency.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for LICENTIOUS *

• licentuous 100%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for LICENTIOUS

• liscentious
• discentious
• lichenious
• pigmentious
• licecious
• Lucentius
• licesious
• licencious

Etymology of LICENTIOUS

The word "licentious" originated from the Latin term "licentiosus", which is derived from the root word "licentia", meaning "freedom" or "license". In Latin, "licentiosus" referred to someone who was indulging in excessive freedom or unrestrained behavior, often with a negative connotation. This Latin term then evolved into "licentious" in English, maintaining its meaning of disregarding moral standards, being promiscuous, or engaging in immoral or reckless behavior.

Similar spelling words for LICENTIOUS

• licentiously,
• lucentis,
• Licenses,
• licentiate.