In academic writing, it is sometimes beneficial to use words that are not commonly used in spoken language. However, this makes it especially necessary to know the exact definition of the word, to avoid misinterpretation of your text. A special word to describe something obviously negative is “egregious,” which will be defined and illustrated with many examples in the following article.
Definition of “egregious”
“Egregious” is a purely negative connotated word, used to describe something that stands out in an extremely bad way. The word derives from Latin, “egregius”, where it originally meant something exceptionally good. Due to it being used in an ironic sense for some time, the meaning inverted to something negative.
Examples
- He made an egregious mistake. (adjective)
- The article highlighted the most egregious consequences of the climatic change. (adjective)
- How could she behave so egregiously? (adverb)
- The egregiousness of the situation is beyond our expectations. (noun)
How to spell “egregious” correctly
As in many other words, the most common spelling mistake of “egregious” is “egregios”, where the “u” is left out. This spelling, however, is incorrect, as well as any other different spellings that result from switched letters or mishearing.
- from the latin word “egregius,” which means something exceptionally good.
Correct spelling
egregious
Wrong spelling
egregios
egregius
egergious
egrogious
Synonyms for “significance”
By using different synonyms of a word, the risk of repetition and redundancy is reduced, and simultaneously, the expansion and improvement of your vocabulary are fostered. Here are four synonyms of the word “egregious” used in sentences to highlight the correct use.
| Flagrant | His behavior was egregious. |
| His behavior was flagrant. | |
| Gross | The cake tasted so egregious. |
| The cake tasted so gross. | |
| Shocking | The news was egregious. |
| The news was shocking. | |
| Intolerable | She had made an egregious mistake. |
| She had made an intolerable mistake. | |
| Appalling | The story they told us was egregious. |
| The story they told us was appalling. |
FAQs
Synonyms for “egregious” can be “intolerable,” “appalling,” or “flagrant.”
Although originally in Latin the word “egregius” meant something exceptionally good, the meaning today is entirely negative. You should never use “egregious” for something that is not meant to be offensive or negatively connotated.
No, “egregious” refers to only negative things. Its original meaning in Latin did mean something positive, but over time it was inverted to something purely negative.
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