Most official settings such as schools, offices, and public places insist on people avoiding “vulgar” language when within the respective premises. But what does “vulgar” mean, and how do you know whether your words fall in this category? Knowing the correct vulgar definition, meaning, and usage is the only way to answer such a question.
Vulgar is an adjective that means someone or something morally crude, uncultivated, and degenerated. It describes someone or something gross or conspicuously and tastelessly indecent. Use vulgar to describe something or someone without good taste or lacking good manners.
As you study English words, you will realize that some meanings are more exploited in certain local dialects. However, the English language has evolved through numerous scopes, and words now have multiple definitions; a good example of such words is “vulgar.” The article will discuss this word more so you can understand it better.
What Is The Definition Of Vulgar?
Define vulgar (adjective) as relating to common people or a speech of familiar people. This type of word or language is used, applied, or accepted within certain circles, companies, or groups of people. If a language is vulgar, you might not understand it unless you are a part of the people who speak it.
Here are some example sentences:
- James said that he always has difficulty trying in class to understand the complex and vulgar names of animal species.
- The police did not understand the vulgar language the criminal organization used during their arrest.
- The church has not accepted the vulgar inception of miracles.
Words People Use In Place Of Vulgar
Whether as synonyms or by mistake, there are many common words that most people use in place of “vulgar.” Learning these words and their meaning will help you know if they can replace “vulgar” in your sentences.
Vulgar vs. bulgar: Vulgar means common people or a crowd, while bulgar is a cereal food made from whole wheat that is partially boiled and then dried.
Vulgar vs. profane: Vulgar means something obscene, while profane disrespects a religious practice or belief.
Vulgar vs. offensive: Vulgar is something distasteful or uncouth, while offensive is something offending.
What is the Meaning of Vulgar?
Vulgar (adjective) means something generally current or public. Use the word when discussing something that most people agree on at a particular time. Take an example as situations where many agree on a specific fact regardless of whether it is true.
Here are some example sentences:
- The students have a vulgar opinion that everyone should have freedom of expression.
- The village’s vulgar opinion was that the government should offer free medical services to all the members.
- The subordinate staff working in the company were of the vulgar opinion that they deserve a raise.
Vulgar Synonyms
One feature that makes learning English straightforward is that most words have one or many words that have the same or near meaning. Such words are referred to as synonyms, and if you understand one word’s meaning and usage, you will easily understand the others. Below are the synonyms of the word vulgar.
- Crude
- Indecent
- Abusive
- Nasty
- Colorful
- Cheap
- Flirty
- Impure
- Suggestive
- Gross
- Garish
- Flaunting
- Flamboyant
- Common
- Lowly
Vulgar Antonyms
Some English words also have opposite meanings from “vulgar.” Words with opposing meanings are antonyms. Below are several antonyms of the word vulgar.
- Decent
- Clean
- Moral
- Tame
- Modest
- Humble
- Sophisticated
- Artistic
- Polished
- Smooth
- Intellectual
- Cultured
- Cool
- Grand
- Wellborn
Vulgar Rhymes
If you enjoy music, poetry, and literature, then the chances are that you have come across rhyming words. Rhyming words are two or more words that have the same ending sound. Some words rhyme entirely; that means the entire word sounds like the reference word. Here are a few words that rhyme with vulgar.
- Bugler
- Color
- Hunger
- Ulcer
- Supper
- Slugger
- Cluster
- Killer
- Litter
- Father
- Bolster
- Monster
- Paper
- Moor
- Weather
How To Use Vulgar In A Sentence
The term vulgar applies when discussing inappropriate language connected to taboo subjects. For example, major taboos in most English-speaking countries are excretion and sex. Also, parts of the body that use these functions.
But there is more to this word as it could mean “a dialect that used a certain group” or “belonging to a lower social class.” Use the term when talking about “someone with an untidy appearance.” Despite the several uses and applications of this word, one thing you should not forget is that this is an adjective that makes an attribute of a noun.
Vulgar Derivative Words
Derivative words come from a particular word or root. They are mainly used to transform the original word into a different grammatical category. Below is a list of words derived from the root word “vulgar.”
- Vulgarly (adverb)
- Vulgarise/ vulgarize (verb)
- Vulgarize (verb)
- Vulgarising/ vulgarizing (verb)
- Vulgarises/vulgarizez (verb)
- Vulgarised/vulgarized (verb)
- Vulgarization (noun)
- Vulgarism (noun)
- Vulgarity (noun)
- Vulgarian (noun)
Questions That People Ask Most About When Using “Vulgar”
Whenever you learn a new word or try to understand a word better, there are so many questions that cross the mind. We will answer some of these questions, which will help you learn more about the word.
What are the common word phrases containing vulgar? Vulgar word phrases are not quite common in most contexts. You have probably not come across any phrases. Luckily, here are some of the three phrases with the word vulgar.
Vulgar era
Vulgar Latin
Vulgar fractions
Is vulgar an acceptable scrabble word? Vulgar is an accepted scrabble word that can earn you 10 points if you play it. Note that the best way to learn English is by taking time to understand new words and practicing them with your friends or peers. What better way can you do this than playing scrabble? With this game, you can use the word often and learn new ones while playing.
Is there a plant known as vulgar? Yes, “vulgar” is a beautiful flower named “beta vulgaris cicla.”
10 Examples Of Vulgar In A Sentence
You might sometimes understand the meaning and definition of words but still have difficulty figuring out how to use them in your sentences. If this is your challenge with the word “vulgar,” here are sentences with this word to guide you.
- The preacher wore a vulgar patterned shirt.
- Susan found it vulgar when James talked about the money he earned.
- I did not understand why Esther used such vulgar decorations at the wedding.
- The guest was not happy with the level of entertainment; in fact, he found that everything was rather vulgar.
- Mike expressed himself in a rough, vulgar laugh.
- For some reason, the manager said that the new production did not match the previous and that everything we did this week was vulgar.
- Rachael chose a tasteless and vulgar movie, so our sleepover was boring.
- The prince has vulgar manners that shock everyone.
- It was an extremely vulgar joke that should not have popped up with children.
- I hate using vulgar language, but you have left me with no other choice.
How Do You Spell Vulgar?
The correct spelling or “vulgar” is “V.U.L.G.A.R” or “[vˈʌlɡə], [vˈʌlɡə], [v_ˈʌ_l_ɡ_ə] when spelled according to I.P.A.
Good spelling matters significantly, but most people hardly give it the attention it deserves. It is vital to learn proper spellings as it will help to facilitate communication. When you adhere to standardizing spellings, you will find it easier to understand the text.
Think about how things would be if people used different spellings when writing a word. It would not be easy to comprehend what others say. So, the best way to avoid confusion is by learning how to spell a new vocabulary.
How Do You Pronounce Vulgar?
The correct way to pronounce the word “vulgar” is “vuhl•guh.”
Most people fail to concentrate on learning to pronounce a new word, not knowing that proper pronunciation can help improve their social skills. Knowing the right pronunciation also makes you feel more confident in most conversations. It will also help you make friends faster.
How Many Syllables Are In Vulgar?
The word “vulgar” has two syllables -vul and -gar. The stressed syllable is “vul.”
History & Etymology of Vulgar
“Vulgar” originates from the Latin word “Vulgaris or volgaris.” In Latin, these words mean pertaining to common people, low, or common. These words are also from “vulgus or volgus,” meaning common people, a crowd, or a multitude.
When the English language first borrowed the word, it retained its original meaning: “common people.” But as the language evolved, so did the word, and today, it has different meanings and definitions.
When Was Vulgar First Used?
“Vulgar” was first used in the 14th century, and its meaning was “generally used, applied, accepted or well understood and having ordinary sense.”
Conclusion
Simply put, “vulgar” can mean something morally crude or something ordinary, a mob or a crowd. So, when using this word, be cautious of the context because people might have difficulty understanding what you mean if you are not careful. Our detailed vulgar definition, meaning, and usage article will help you start practicing this word today.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.