livid etymology

Etymology:

The word "livid" comes from the Latin "lividus," which means "bluish" or "lead-colored." It is related to the verb "livēre," meaning "to become discolored." The English word "livid" was first used in the 14th century.

Meaning:

• Literally: Having a bluish or lead-colored complexion, especially due to extreme anger, cold, or illness.
• Figuratively: Enraged, furious, or highly resentful.

Origin:

The word "livid" originated in the ancient medical belief that anger and other strong emotions could cause a build-up of black bile in the body, resulting in a bluish discoloration of the skin. This belief was based on the ancient Greek theory of the four humors, which held that the body's health depended on a balance of four fluids: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile.

In the Middle Ages, the term "livid" was often used to describe the physical symptoms of poisoning or infection. It was also used to describe the discoloration of the skin that occurs after death.

Over time, the meaning of "livid" shifted from a strictly descriptive term to a more figurative one. It is now primarily used to describe extreme anger or resentment.

Examples:

• "The coach was livid with rage when he saw the players had lost the game."
• "Her face was livid with cold."
• "He was livid at the thought of having been betrayed."

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