florid
What does "florid" mean?
"Florid" describes something that is excessively ornate, overly decorated, or flowery in style. It evokes the mental image of a garden so overgrown with elaborate, bright blossoms that it becomes hard to see the underlying structure, often implying that the excess hides a lack of substance. In usage, it is frequently applied to writing or speech that uses too many complex words or dramatic flourishes. It can also refer to a complexion that is unnaturally red or flushed, suggesting an over-abundance of blood or health, often with a slightly negative connotation of being showy or gaudy.
"florid" in conversation
Critiquing a creative writing piece
I think your opening paragraph is a bit florid for a mystery novel.
I think your opening paragraph is a bit florid for a mystery novel.
You think? I was just trying to set the mood.
You think? I was just trying to set the mood.
It's beautiful, but it distracts from the actual plot.
It's beautiful, but it distracts from the actual plot.
Used here to suggest that the writing is overly decorative and distracting.
Observing someone at a party
Is the host feeling okay? He looks a bit florid.
Is the host feeling okay? He looks a bit florid.
He's just been running around all night, I'm sure he's fine.
He's just been running around all night, I'm sure he's fine.
Used here to describe a flushed, reddened face.
"florid" in a sentence
The room was decorated in a florid style.
The room was decorated in a florid style.
He gave a florid speech full of empty promises.
He gave a florid speech full of empty promises.
The author's florid prose obscured the simplicity of the story's core message.
The author's florid prose obscured the simplicity of the story's core message.
