Basic Details
Word: Garish
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Something that is very bright and showy, often in a way that is too much and not pleasant to look at.
Synonyms: Flashy, gaudy, showy
Antonyms: Subtle, understated, plain
Idioms and Phrases
- Garish colours: Used to describe colours that are too bright and unpleasant. Example: "The garish colours of the house made it stand out in the neighbourhood."
- To dress in garish style: To wear clothing that is overly bright or extravagant. Example: "She decided to dress in garish style for the carnival, attracting everyone's attention."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The garish advertisements in the city made it hard to enjoy the sights.
Example 2: He painted the room in garish shades of pink and yellow that clashed with each other.
Example 3: The festival was filled with garish decorations that dazzled visitors but were not to everyone's taste.
Fun Fact
The word "garish" comes from the Middle English word "garishe," which means to adorn or decorate. Over time, its meaning shifted to imply a sense of excessive ornamentation.
Famous Quote
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - Leonardo da Vinci. This quote highlights the appeal of being subtle, which contrasts with the idea of being garish.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "garish" mean?
a) Very bright and showy
b) Simple and plain
c) Soft and muted
d) Dark and gloomy
Answer: a) Very bright and showy
2. Which of these is a synonym of "garish"?
a) Subtle
b) Flashy
c) Plain
d) Quiet
Answer: b) Flashy
3. What is an antonym of "garish"?
a) Showy
b) Loud
c) Understated
d) Bright
Answer: c) Understated
4. Which sentence uses "garish" correctly?
a) Her garish outfit was admired by everyone at the party.
b) The painting was garish and soothing at the same time.
c) The garish flowers in the garden were calming for the eyes.
d) The garish lights were too bright for the dark room.
Answer: d) The garish lights were too bright for the dark room.
5. Which idiom means using excessive bright colours in decoration?
a) To dress in garish style
b) To play it safe
c) To paint the town red
d) To wear it on one's sleeve
Answer: a) To dress in garish style
