livid

UK: ˈlɪvɪd | US: ˈlɪvɪd

Definition

  1. adj. furiously angry

  2. adj. discolored or bruised, often bluish-gray

  3. adj. pale or pallid (archaic)

Structure
liv <bluish>id <adjective suffix>liv <bluish>id <adjective suffix>
Etymology

livid = liv<bluish> + id<adjective suffix>

  • liv<bluish>: From Latin lividus ("bluish, envious"), derived from livere ("to be bluish"). Originally described a bruised or leaden color, later extended metaphorically to anger (as in "turning blue with rage").
  • id<adjective suffix>: A Latin suffix forming adjectives, indicating a state or quality.

Etymology Origin:
The word livid traces back to Latin lividus, which described a bruised, bluish-gray hue. Over time, the association with discoloration (like a bruise) evolved metaphorically to signify intense anger—akin to the flushed or pallid appearance of someone in a rage. The archaic sense of "pale" reflects its earlier literal use.

Examples

  1. She was livid when she discovered the broken vase.

  2. His face turned livid after the punch.

  3. The livid bruise on her arm took weeks to fade.

  4. The manager grew livid at the repeated mistakes.

  5. The sky was a livid gray before the storm.