meretricious
UK: ˌmɛrɪˈtrɪʃəs | US: ˌmɛrəˈtrɪʃəs
adj. superficially attractive but lacking real value or integrity
adj. relating to or characteristic of a prostitute
meretricious = meretr<prostitute> + icious<adjective suffix>
- meretr: From Latin meretrix (prostitute), derived from merere (to earn, serve for hire). The root implies transactional or superficial appeal.
- icious: A suffix forming adjectives, often with a pejorative connotation (e.g., avaricious, suspicious).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin meretrix, reflecting the idea of earning through superficial allure. Over time, meretricious evolved to describe anything flashy but deceitful, mirroring the dichotomy between appearance and reality in prostitution. The suffix -icious reinforces its negative tone, suggesting excess or falseness.
The mansion’s meretricious decor failed to hide its poor construction.
His meretricious compliments were clearly insincere.
The film’s plot was meretricious, relying on clichés rather than depth.
She avoided meretricious fashion trends, preferring timeless elegance.
Critics dismissed the artwork as meretricious and derivative.