turbid
What does "turbid" mean?
Turbid describes a liquid that is cloudy, opaque, or thick with suspended matter. Imagine a glass of water that has been stirred with dirt; instead of being clear and transparent, it looks murky and unsettled because particles are floating throughout it. While often used literally to describe water or air, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe a state of confusion or lack of clarity in thoughts, emotions, or social situations. It implies a sense of disorder where things are not easily seen through or understood.
"turbid" in conversation
Discussing a hike
We couldn't swim in the creek because the recent rain made the water too turbid.
We couldn't swim in the creek because the recent rain made the water too turbid.
That's a shame, it looked so clear last week!
That's a shame, it looked so clear last week!
Used here to describe physically murky water after a storm.
A philosophical conversation
My mind feels quite turbid today; I have too many conflicting ideas.
My mind feels quite turbid today; I have too many conflicting ideas.
Maybe you should take a walk to clear your head.
Maybe you should take a walk to clear your head.
A metaphorical use describing mental confusion.
"turbid" in a sentence
The pond water was turbid after the heavy rainstorm.
The pond water was turbid after the heavy rainstorm.
The geologist analyzed the turbid samples taken from the riverbed.
The geologist analyzed the turbid samples taken from the riverbed.
His political rhetoric served only to create a turbid atmosphere of distrust among the citizens.
His political rhetoric served only to create a turbid atmosphere of distrust among the citizens.
