florid

/ˈflɒrɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈflɔːrɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈflȯr-əd ˈflär-/ (ame, mw)

florid — adjective

  • floridpositive
  • more floridcomparative
  • most floridsuperlative

1. describes writing, speech, or design that uses an excessive number of fancy word

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describes writing, speech, or design that uses an excessive number of fancy words or decorative extras, creating an effect that many people find unnatural or overdone.

例句

The architect's florid lobby design featured gold-leaf columns and crystal chandeliers.

collocation: florid design / florid style

Salma's florid speech was full of poetic metaphors that left the audience confused.

collocation: florid speech / florid prose

同義詞
  • ornate

    more neutral; ornate can be positive or negative, whereas florid is nearly always critical

  • elaborate

    less negative; elaborate simply means complex or detailed

  • flowery

    informal; used mainly for writing or speech, not for objects or buildings

反義詞
  • plain

    simple and without decoration

  • simple

    without extra details or ornament

  • minimalist

    intentionally bare or restrained in style

文法句型

florid + noun

be + florid

用法筆記

Florid is stronger than ornate — it carries disapproval, suggesting the decoration or style has crossed a line into excess. It is often used to criticise writing, architectural details, or interior design.

常見錯誤

❌She wore a florid dress covered in bright colours.
✅She wore a florid dress covered in lace and elaborate embroidery.
💡florid describes too much decoration, not just bright colours.
❌The meal had a florid flavour.
✅The meal had a florid presentation with unnecessary garnishes.
💡florid applies to visual style or language, not taste.

2. describes a face whose red colour suggests poor health rather than a natural blu

2.形容詞C1
釋義

describes a face whose red colour suggests poor health rather than a natural blush, often resulting from high blood pressure, heavy drinking, or an underlying medical condition.

例句

The doctor noticed Reema's florid complexion and asked about her blood pressure.

collocation: florid complexion

Years of heavy drinking gave Sahil a florid face and broken veins on his nose.

同義詞
  • ruddy

    can be positive or neutral; suggests healthy, outdoor colouring rather than illness

  • flushed

    temporary redness from heat, exercise, or emotion

  • red-faced

    more informal; can describe embarrassment or anger as well as complexion

反義詞
  • pale

    lacking colour

  • pallid

    abnormally pale, suggesting illness or weakness

文法句型

florid + noun (complexion, face, cheeks)

be + florid

用法筆記

This sense describes unhealthy redness — a florid face looks red in a persistent or worrying way. It differs from flushed (temporary, from exercise or embarrassment) and ruddy (healthy, often from outdoor life).

常見錯誤

❌After running, his face was florid.
✅After running, his face was flushed.
💡florid implies a lasting or unhealthy redness, not temporary exertion.
❌The farmer had a florid, weather-beaten face.
✅The farmer had a ruddy, weather-beaten face.
💡ruddy suggests healthy colour; florid suggests poor health.