grotesque
Translation
grotesque, distorted, bizarre, monstrous
Examples
The gargoyles on the cathedral were grotesque.
The gargoyles on the cathedral were grotesque.
He told a grotesque story about his travels.
He told a grotesque story about his travels.
Grammar Patterns
((adjective)) used to describe (sth.) as strangely or unpleasantly ugly or distorted The gargoyles on the cathedral were grotesque.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bizarre, outlandish, distorted; Antonyms: beautiful, normal, graceful
Etymology
From Italian 'grottesca', meaning 'of a cave', from 'grotta' (grotto). It originally referred to a style of ancient Roman art found in ruins.
Memory Tips
Imagine a strange carving found in a 'grotto' (cave). That carving is 'grotesque'.