Seedy
'siːdi
Definitions
2 meaningsAppearing disreputable, squalid, or run-down.
'siːdi
Suggesting a disreputable or run-down place or environment.
We decided not to stay in that seedy hotel.
💡 Simply: Imagine a place or area that looks a bit rough around the edges, maybe a little dirty or unsafe. It's not the kind of place you'd take your grandma!
👶 For kids: When something is 'seedy', it means it looks a little bit messy or scary, like a place that isn't very nice.
More Examples
The neighborhood had a seedy atmosphere.
He was warned to avoid the seedy part of town.
How It's Used
"The hotel had a seedy bar downstairs, filled with dubious characters."
"The detective investigated the seedy underbelly of the city."
Of a person: appearing morally suspect, untrustworthy, or of questionable character.
'siːdi
Suggesting a person is morally questionable or untrustworthy.
The man had a seedy reputation in the neighborhood.
💡 Simply: When someone gives you the feeling they might not be entirely honest or trustworthy. Like they might be hiding something.
👶 For kids: When a person looks like they might do something bad, they can be called 'seedy'.
More Examples
She gave him a seedy glance.
I didn't trust the seedy salesman's pitch.
How It's Used
"He had a seedy look about him that made me distrust him."
"The seedy character lurking in the alley was immediately suspicious."
Synonyms
From "seed", referring to the appearance of discarded seeds or the idea of something having a hidden, potentially undesirable origin. The term evolved to describe places or people that seemed disreputable or run-down.
The term 'seedy' has evolved from its agricultural roots, referring to the quality of seeds, to its modern meaning of referring to places or people.
Memory tip
Think of a place where seeds are discarded – dirty, unpleasant, and potentially harboring unwanted things.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: seed