What does lasciviously mean?
Lasciviously is an adverb meaning in a lewd, lustful, or overtly sexual manner. It is typically used to describe a look, smile, movement, or display of behavior considered lewd or deliberately sexually suggestive. The word carries a strongly negative or disapproving connotation: the behavior is not merely affectionate or playful but suggests sexual desire, impropriety, or vulgarity. Writers and speakers often reach for it when they want to make that implication unmistakable rather than leaving a description ambiguous. Although it can apply to people, it more commonly characterizes conspicuous behavior, such as someone dancing or posing, and it appears especially in literary criticism, descriptions of scandal, and narrative prose. In formal or sensitive contexts, precision matters: a flirtatious or suggestive action may be better described as flirtatious, playful, or suggestive unless it is genuinely lewd. Lasciviously is useful because it combines an action and a moral judgment in one precise adverb, although that judgment makes it unsuitable when the intended tone is neutral or approving.
adverbIn a lewd or lustful manner, especially with behavior that is overtly or suggestively sexual.
- In a lewd, lustful, or deliberately sexually suggestive manner.
"He smiled lasciviously before turning away."
"The dancer moved lasciviously across the stage, provoking an immediate uproar."
"The novel describes the minister's lascivious behavior during his private visits."
With “lasciviously,” a suggestive glance acquires an unmistakable charge of sexual impropriety.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lasciviously come from?
The English adverb was formed with the suffix -ly from lascivious, which was borrowed from Latin lasciviosus, meaning “lustful” or “wanton,” from lascivia, “lust” or “wantonness.” The borrowing entered English during the early modern period, when the adjective described conduct marked by sexual appetite or excess. The modern adverb preserves that evaluative sense by characterizing conduct as lewd rather than merely physical, animated, or playful.
Related word forms
How lasciviously is actually used
This word carries a strongly disapproving connotation and is generally more intense than merely suggestive or flirtatious. It is commonly used in literary criticism and narrative prose to characterize conspicuous sexual behavior.
Easily confused with lasciviously
Lasciviously specifically suggests lewd or lustful behavior, whereas licentiously means in a manner free from moral or social restraint and can describe conduct that is not necessarily sexual.