adj
lascivious
luh-SIH-vih-uhs
adj
1
Showing an excessive or improper interest in sex; lewd.
"The judge called the comments lascivious and inappropriate for the workplace."
How to Use Lascivious
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBehaving or looking in a sexually inappropriate, leering way.
When to use it
A formal or literary word, often used in legal or disapproving contexts rather than casual speech.
Common pairings
lascivious remarks
lascivious behavior
a lascivious grin
Word Forms
more lascivious comparative, most lascivious superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “lascivious”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The judge called the comments _____ and inappropriate for the workplace.
Etymology
From Latin lascivus, meaning "playful" or "wanton," which took on a more sexual overtone over time.