Definition of livid

The word "livid" has an interesting etymology. In its earliest sense, "livid" referred to the color of blood or a mark caused by a blow. This sense of the word dates back to Latin, where "lividus" meant "bluish" or "black and blue". In medieval English, "livid" also referred to a wound or bruise. Over time, the meaning of "livid" expanded to include emotional states. In the 14th century, it referred to anger or fury, likely because a person's face might appear blue or discolored with rage. By the 17th century, "livid" was also used to describe a sense of intense emotion, such as outrage or indignation. Today, "livid" can describe a range of strong emotions, from anger and fury to indignation and scorn. Despite its expanded meaning, the word still retains its connection to the physical idea of a mark or wound, reflecting its origins in the color of blood.