licentious
What does "licentious" mean?
Licentious describes a person or their behavior that is sexually unrestrained, lacking moral discipline, or disregarding accepted rules of conduct. The mental image is of someone who has cast off all social or moral shackles, indulging in desires without any regard for propriety or the consequences of their actions. While it is primarily used in the context of sexual immorality, it can also describe a general lack of restraint or lawlessness in a person's character. Because it carries a strong moral judgment, it is a formal and often critical term, rarely used in casual conversation to describe someone unless you are intentionally highlighting their lack of moral character.
"licentious" in conversation
Discussing a historical figure
The biography portrays him as a truly licentious character during his time in Paris.
The biography portrays him as a truly licentious character during his time in Paris.
Well, he certainly didn't care much for the social conventions of the era.
Well, he certainly didn't care much for the social conventions of the era.
Used here to describe a historical reputation for indulgence.
Literary critique
The author uses the protagonist’s licentious lifestyle to represent the decay of the city.
The author uses the protagonist’s licentious lifestyle to represent the decay of the city.
So, his behavior is a metaphor for the broader social collapse?
So, his behavior is a metaphor for the broader social collapse?
Common in academic or literary analysis.
"licentious" in a sentence
The judge condemned the licentious behavior of the group.
The judge condemned the licentious behavior of the group.
The novel depicts a licentious society that has abandoned all sense of duty.
The novel depicts a licentious society that has abandoned all sense of duty.
His licentious appetites eventually led to his complete downfall and public disgrace.
His licentious appetites eventually led to his complete downfall and public disgrace.
