Basic Details
Word: Gauche
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Awkward or lacking in social grace; not tactful.
Synonyms: Awkward, clumsy, tactless
Antonyms: Graceful, polished, sophisticated
Idioms and Phrases
- Gauche in social settings: Refers to someone who is socially awkward. Example: "He felt gauche in the fancy dinner party with so many elegant guests."
- Gauche remarks: Comments that are blunt or lacking sensitivity. Example: "Her gauche remarks during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Despite his talent, he often comes off as gauche when meeting new people at art shows.
Example 2: The gauche behaviour of the toddler at the party made everyone smile, remembering their own childhood.
Example 3: She quickly realised that her gauche comments had offended her friend, so she apologised sincerely.
Fun Fact
The word "gauche" comes from the French word for "left," which was historically associated with awkwardness, as the left hand was considered less graceful than the right in various cultures.
Famous Quote
"It is better to be vaguely right than precisely wrong." - Carveth Read
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "gauche" mean?
a) Very graceful
b) Awkward in social situations
c) Extremely fashionable
d) Quite charming
Answer: b) Awkward in social situations
2. Which of these is a synonym of "gauche"?
a) Stylish
b) Awkward
c) Confident
d) Polished
Answer: b) Awkward
3. Which word is an antonym of "gauche"?
a) Clumsy
b) Sophisticated
c) Tactless
d) Awkward
Answer: b) Sophisticated
4. Which sentence uses "gauche" correctly?
a) The dancer was very gauche during the performance.
b) His gauche comments made the dinner awkward.
c) The artwork was considered gauche by everyone.
d) She wore a gauche dress to the gala.
Answer: b) His gauche comments made the dinner awkward.
5. What does the phrase "gauche in social settings" describe?
a) Someone who is very graceful at parties
b) A person who is socially awkward
c) An expert in social interactions
d) A skilled dancer
Answer: b) A person who is socially awkward
