livid
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɪvɪd/
US
- /ˈlɪvɪd/
Description
- extremely angry
- furious
- full of rage
Imagine a storm building, not in the sky, but inside a person. That is the feeling this word suggests. It means extremely angry, usually because something feels deeply unfair, insulting, or upsetting. You might feel this way if someone ruined your hard work on purpose or if you found out a close friend had lied to you. It is a strong word, stronger than just "angry," and it fits moments of real outrage. The word once also described a dark bluish or bruised color, and that older sense still adds a feeling of intensity.
"Livid" is an adjective used to describe someone who is extremely angry. It is stronger than words like "mad" or even "angry," and it is usually used when a person feels serious outrage, not just mild annoyance. If someone is livid, something has probably happened that feels deeply unfair, offensive, or damaging.
You would not usually use this word for small everyday problems like spilling coffee or missing a bus. It is better saved for stronger situations. For example: "She was absolutely livid when she discovered her car had been vandalized." Or, "He was livid after learning that his work had been copied without permission." In this way, the word often points to anger mixed with shock, hurt, or a sense of betrayal.
The word has an older meaning too. It originally came from the Latin "lividus," meaning bluish or bruised in color. Because of that history, "livid" can still sometimes describe skin that looks dark blue, gray, or bruised, especially in medical or formal writing. That use is much less common in everyday conversation, where the emotional meaning is far more familiar.
So while "angry" names the feeling in a general way, "livid" paints a sharper picture. It suggests anger at a very high level, often caused by something serious. The word carries force, drama, and intensity, which is why it works well in stories and vivid descriptions.
Examples
- 1
Personal anger
She was livid when she found out they had lied to her.
- 2
Billing complaint
Mark was absolutely livid about the extra charge on his bill.
- 3
Workplace blame
My boss was livid at me for missing the deadline.
- 4
Canceled meeting
They were livid that the meeting had been canceled without warning.
- 5
Bruise color
He came home with a livid bruise on his arm.
Meaning
A livid bruise or mark is dark bluish-purple.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- lividadjective