Basic Details
Word: Grotesque
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Very strange, ugly, or unnatural in appearance.
Synonyms: Outlandish, bizarre, deformed, monstrous
Antonyms: Beautiful, normal, pleasant
Idioms and Phrases
- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder: This means that different people have different opinions about what is beautiful. Example: "Though many found the art grotesque, she insisted it was stunning because beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
- Face only a mother could love: Used to describe someone or something that is considered unattractive. Example: "The old dog had a face only a mother could love, but he was the sweetest pet anyone could ask for."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The artist's latest sculpture was so grotesque that most people found it hard to look at.
Example 2: In the movie, the villain had a grotesque smile that made everyone feel uneasy.
Example 3: The haunted house was filled with grotesque decorations that frightened the guests.
Fun Fact
The word "grotesque" originated from the Italian word "grottesca," which comes from the term "grotta," meaning cave. It was used to describe the decoration found in ancient Roman ruins that were oddly shaped and unusual.
Famous Quote
"There is a thin line between the grotesque and the beautiful." - Michle Anderson
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "grotesque" mean?
a) Very beautiful
b) Strange or ugly
c) Ordinary
d) Happy
Answer: b) Strange or ugly
2. Which of these is a synonym of "grotesque"?
a) Beautiful
b) Deformed
c) Normal
d) Joyful
Answer: b) Deformed
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "grotesque"?
a) Strange
b) Bizarre
c) Beautiful
d) Monstrous
Answer: c) Beautiful
4. Which sentence uses "grotesque" correctly?
a) The scenery was grotesque and breathtaking.
b) The actor's grotesque portrayal added depth to the character.
c) The cake was grotesque and tasted like chocolate.
d) The flowers in the garden were grotesque and colourful.
Answer: b) The actor's grotesque portrayal added depth to the character.
5. Which idiom relates closely to the meaning of "grotesque"?
a) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
b) A diamond in the rough
c) A picture is worth a thousand words
d) A penny for your thoughts
Answer: a) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
