Hovel

Pronunciation: /ˈhʌvəl/

Definitions of hovel

noun a small, squalid, unpleasant, or simply constructed dwelling

Example Sentences

A1 The poor family lived in a small hovel on the outskirts of town.

A2 The hovel was made of mud and straw, with a leaky roof.

B1 Despite its humble appearance, the hovel provided shelter from the harsh weather.

B2 The hovel was cramped and dark, but it was home to the old man for many years.

C1 The dilapidated hovel stood as a stark reminder of the poverty in the area.

C2 The explorer stumbled upon a hidden hovel deep in the forest, untouched by civilization.

Examples of hovel in a Sentence

formal The poor family lived in a small hovel on the outskirts of town.

informal I can't believe they expect us to stay in this hovel for the weekend.

slang This hovel is a dump, let's get out of here.

figurative His mind was like a cluttered hovel, filled with chaotic thoughts.

Grammatical Forms of hovel

• past tense: hoveled
• plural: hovels
• comparative: more hovel
• superlative: most hovel
• present tense: hovels
• future tense: will hovel
• perfect tense: have hoveled
• continuous tense: is hoveling
• singular: hovel
• positive degree: hovel
• infinitive: to hovel
• gerund: hoveling
• participle: hoveling

Origin and Evolution of hovel

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'hovel' originated from the Old French word 'hovele' or 'hovel', which derived from the Latin word 'cubile' meaning 'bed' or 'sleeping place'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a small, simple dwelling or shelter, the word 'hovel' has evolved to also refer to a dirty or run-down place, often used in a derogatory manner to describe a poor living condition.