Lascivious in a Sentence: Meaning and Examples

Lascivious is a formal, disapproving adjective for someone or something that shows strong sexual desire or is sexually suggestive. To use lascivious in a sentence, place it before a noun or after a linking verb: “The novel describes a lascivious glance.” The word carries a judgmental tone, so use it only when that connotation is intended.

How do you use “lascivious” in a sentence?

Use lascivious before a noun or after a linking verb to describe sexual desire or suggestiveness. The sentence “The editor removed a lascivious remark from the dialogue” uses the adjective to describe the remark; lascivious itself does not name an action. Merriam-Webster, Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, and Cambridge Dictionary all classify it as an adjective.

In ordinary modern English, do not use lascivious as a verb. To describe an action, choose a suitable verb such as leered or made a suggestive remark; use lascivious to characterize a noun.

What tone does “lascivious” convey?

Lascivious is usually formal and disapproving, not a neutral synonym for attractive or affectionate. Oxford and Cambridge both mark it as disapproving; Merriam-Webster’s definition centers on sexual desire. That combination makes the word sharper than sensual, which can describe physical pleasure without necessarily condemning it.

These words overlap, but they are not interchangeable. Merriam-Webster describes sensual in relation to bodily senses or appetites, lewd as obscene, vulgar, or sexually unchaste, and salacious as arousing or appealing to sexual desire or imagination; those definitions help separate sensory richness, indecency, and titillating material. Choose lascivious when you specifically mean strong sexual desire or a disapprovingly suggestive quality. (sensual; lewd; salacious) When writing about a real person, describe observable words or conduct rather than making an unsupported character judgment.

When should writers avoid “lascivious”?

Avoid lascivious when the sentence only means flirtatious, romantic, attractive, or physically expressive. It can sound accusatory and may imply more than the evidence supports. In reporting, academic writing, or workplace documentation, a precise description such as “made repeated sexual comments” may be clearer and less judgmental than a label.

The word also appears in legal language, where the surrounding law matters: for example, 18 U.S.C. § 2256 specifies that its definitions apply “for purposes of this chapter.” If a document makes a legal claim, read the controlling statute and relevant court interpretation rather than treating a general dictionary definition as a universal legal test. (18 U.S.C. § 2256)

Frequently asked questions about “lascivious”

Is “lascivious” a noun or an adjective?

Lascivious is an adjective: it describes a person, thought, expression, remark, or other noun. The related noun is lasciviousness, and the adverb is lasciviously. For example, “a lascivious remark” uses the adjective, while “spoke lasciviously” uses the adverb.

Does “lascivious” mean attractive or romantic?

No. Lascivious refers to strong sexual desire or suggestiveness and usually carries a disapproving tone. Attractive means appealing, while romantic relates to love or courtship; either can apply without implying lasciviousness.

Can “lascivious” be used in academic or legal writing?

Yes, when the meaning and tone are appropriate, but the word is evaluative. Academic writers should define how they use it; legal writers should rely on the relevant statute and jurisdiction-specific authority. For neutral reporting, a specific description of the words or behavior may be more precise.

What is the difference between “lascivious” and “lewd”?

Lascivious emphasizes strong sexual desire or a suggestive quality. Lewd more often condemns behavior or language as crude or indecent. Dictionaries show overlap, so context matters; a writer should choose the word that best describes the specific quality being discussed.

Additional sentence examples follow.

Have you ever heard the term “lascivious” and wondered what it means? In simple terms, lascivious describes something that is driven by strong sexual desire or lust.

Commonly used in literature and legal contexts, this word is often associated with indecent or lewd behavior.

7 Examples Of Lascivious Used In a Sentence For Kids

1. The lascivious monkey was up to no good.
2. The lascivious cat pounced on the toy mouse.
3. The lascivious squirrel chased after the shiny acorn.
4. The lascivious puppy rolled around in the mud.
5. The lascivious bird chirped loudly in the tree.
6. The lascivious frog leaped into the pond.
7. The lascivious rabbit hopped quickly through the garden.

14 Sentences with Lascivious Examples

1. The professor glared at the student caught sending lascivious messages during the lecture.
2. Amidst the lively college festival, some students couldn’t help but engage in lascivious behavior.
3. The scandalous gossip about the professor’s lascivious antics spread like wildfire across campus.
4. The disciplinary committee reprimanded the student for making lascivious remarks to a classmate.
5. During the debate competition, one student used lascivious language to try and throw off their opponent.
6. The college administration warned students against participating in lascivious activities during the upcoming cultural fest.
7. The gender studies professor addressed the issue of lascivious behavior in relation to power dynamics in society.
8. Some students were taken aback by the portrayal of lascivious behavior in the literature assigned for their course.
9. The student union organized a workshop on consent to educate students about the implications of engaging in lascivious conduct.
10. The college counselor advised the student to report any incidents of lascivious behavior on campus.
11. As part of the anti-harassment campaign, posters condemning lascivious behavior were put up around the college premises.
12. The drama club decided to tackle the theme of lascivious desires in their upcoming production.
13. The student council enforced strict rules against lascivious behavior at college events and parties.
14. The psychology department conducted a study on the impact of exposure to lascivious content on students’ behavior and attitudes.

How To Use Lascivious in Sentences?

Lascivious is used to describe behavior that is overtly sexual or showing a strong interest in sexual matters. Here’s a guide on how to use it in a sentence:

1. Understanding the meaning: Start by understanding that lascivious is an adjective that is used to describe someone or something that is lewd, lustful, or indulging in excessive sexual activity.

2. Placement in a sentence: When using lascivious in a sentence, it typically comes before a noun to describe the person or thing exhibiting sexually provocative behavior.

3. Example sentences:

   • The movie was filled with lascivious scenes that made some viewers uncomfortable.
   • She was taken aback by his lascivious comments during the meeting.
   • The book was banned from the school library due to its lascivious content.

4. Tone and context: Remember that lascivious carries a negative connotation and is often used to criticize inappropriate or offensive behavior.

5. Practice: Try using lascivious in different sentences to become more comfortable with its usage and to ensure you are conveying the intended meaning accurately.

By following these steps, you can effectively incorporate lascivious into your writing and conversations with confidence.

Conclusion

In summary, the sentences containing the term “lascivious” typically describe someone’s actions, looks, or behavior as overtly sexually suggestive or lewd. These sentences often convey a sense of impropriety or indecency associated with the individual’s behavior. It is clear that the word “lascivious” carries a negative connotation, implying an excessive focus on the sensual or sexual aspects of a person’s demeanor.

Through the examples presented, it is evident that using “lascivious” in a sentence helps to highlight behaviors that are deemed inappropriate or offensive in a sexual context. By understanding the implications of this word, one can more effectively communicate ideas related to suggestive conduct and avoid ambiguity in descriptions of overtly sexual behavior.