Basic Details
Word: Egregious
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Very bad or shocking; remarkably bad.
Synonyms: Outrageous, Appalling, Shocking
Antonyms: Exemplary, Commendable, Good
Idioms and Phrases
- Out of the frying pan and into the fire: Used when someone goes from a bad situation to a worse one. Example: "By choosing to ignore the egregious error, they went out of the frying pan and into the fire."
- Tread on thin ice: Refers to being in a risky or sensitive situation. Example: "He was treading on thin ice by making such an egregious mistake in front of the manager."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The student's egregious behaviour in class resulted in a serious warning from the teacher.
Example 2: The company faced backlash for its egregious environmental violations.
Example 3: Many people were shocked by the egregious lack of safety measures at the construction site.
Fun Fact
The word "egregious" originally comes from the Latin word "egregius," which means "illustrious" or "distinguished." Over time, its meaning changed to describe something that stands out negatively, becoming synonymous with terrible actions or behaviour.
Famous Quote
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke. This quote relates to "egregious" as it highlights how ignoring serious issues can lead to bad outcomes.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "egregious" mean?
a) Very good
b) Remarkably bad
c) Average
d) Wonderful
Answer: b) Remarkably bad
2. Which of these is a synonym of "egregious"?
a) Outstanding
b) Outrageous
c) Positive
d) Delightful
Answer: b) Outrageous
3. Which sentence uses "egregious" correctly?
a) The child had an egregious smile.
b) The egregious mistake led to serious consequences.
c) She made an egregious meal for dinner.
d) His egregious talent won him a prize.
Answer: b) The egregious mistake led to serious consequences.
4. Which idiom suggests a situation getting worse, similar to "egregious"?
a) Out of the frying pan and into the fire
b) Bite the bullet
c) Hit the nail on the head
d) A blessing in disguise
Answer: a) Out of the frying pan and into the fire
5. What is the opposite of "egregious"?
a) Bad
b) Exemplary
c) Terrible
d) Dreadful
Answer: b) Exemplary
