Basic Details
Word: Garish
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Very bright and showy in a way that is unpleasant or tasteless.
Synonyms: Bright, gaudy, flashy
Antonyms: Subtle, simple, tasteful
Idioms and Phrases
- Garish display: A showy or overly bright presentation. Example: "The fair had a garish display of neon lights that made it hard to focus."
- All dressed up and nowhere to go: Dressed in bright or showy clothes without a proper occasion. Example: "She went to the party all dressed up and nowhere to go after the event was cancelled, feeling quite garish."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The garish colours of the advertisement caught everyone's attention but were too overwhelming for most people.
Example 2: He wore a garish tie that clashed terribly with his suit, making it hard for anyone to take him seriously.
Example 3: The garish decorations in the caf made it difficult for customers to enjoy their meals.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "garish" comes from the Old English word "garish," which means to "glaringly bright" or "to stare?" It reflects how such colours can be off-putting and attention-grabbing at the same time!
Famous Quote
"Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months." Oscar Wilde
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "garish" mean?
a) Pleasantly bright
b) Very bright and showy in an unpleasant way
c) Subtle and understated
d) Dark and gloomy
Answer: b) Very bright and showy in an unpleasant way
2. Which of these is a synonym of "garish"?
a) Dull
b) Bright
c) Simple
d) Tasteful
Answer: b) Bright
3. What is an antonym of "garish"?
a) Showy
b) Flashy
c) Subtle
d) Bright
Answer: c) Subtle
4. Which sentence uses "garish" correctly?
a) The garish outfit made her feel confident and elegant.
b) The garish light was calming and soothing.
c) The garish decorations made the room look overwhelming.
d) The garish book was a bestseller.
Answer: c) The garish decorations made the room look overwhelming.
5. Which idiom relates to something overly bright or showy?
a) All dressed up and nowhere to go
b) A different kettle of fish
c) Two peas in a pod
d) A stitch in time saves nine
Answer: a) All dressed up and nowhere to go
