What does lusty mean?
Lusty is an adjective that describes something or someone that is vigorous, robust, and full of energy or vitality. It can also describe something that is sensual or lascivious. The word can have a positive connotation when used to describe healthy and vigorous qualities, but it can also have a negative connotation when used to describe overly sensual or lascivious qualities. Lusty is often used to describe people, voices, or artistic expressions that are full of life and energy. The word is commonly used in literary and poetic contexts to add depth and nuance to descriptions of people and experiences. Overall, lusty is a useful word for adding complexity and interest to descriptions of people, places, and things.
Having or showing a strong and healthy quality.
"The lusty voice of the singer brought the crowd to its feet."
Having a sensual or lascivious quality.
"The novel was criticized for its lusty and explicit content."
This sense of lusty can have a negative connotation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lusty
The word lusty originated in the 14th century from the Old French word 'luste', which means 'pleasure' or 'desire'. It is related to the Latin word 'luxuria', which means 'luxury' or 'excess'. Over time, the word lusty has evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to vigor, robustness, and sensuality.
Usage notes
Lusty can have a positive connotation when describing something or someone that is healthy and vigorous, but it can also have a negative connotation when describing something that is considered overly sensual or lascivious.