Infelicity

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈfɛlɪsɪti/

Definitions of infelicity

noun an inappropriate or awkward word or expression

Example Sentences

A1 She often makes mistakes in her English homework, but her teacher is patient and helps her correct the infelicities.

A2 The infelicity of his choice of words caused confusion among the audience.

B1 The infelicity of their decision to cancel the event last minute disappointed many attendees.

B2 The infelicity of his actions led to a breakdown in communication between the two parties.

C1 The infelicity of the government's handling of the crisis resulted in widespread criticism.

C2 The infelicity of the author's writing style made it difficult for readers to engage with the novel.

Examples of infelicity in a Sentence

formal The infelicity of his remarks during the meeting caused tension among the team members.

informal She couldn't help but cringe at the infelicity of his joke.

slang His infelicity in handling the situation made things awkward for everyone.

figurative The infelicity of their relationship was like a dark cloud hanging over them.

Grammatical Forms of infelicity

• past tense: infelicitated
• plural: infelicities
• comparative: more infelicitous
• superlative: most infelicitous
• present tense: infelicitates
• future tense: will infelicitate
• perfect tense: has infelicitated
• continuous tense: is infelicitating
• singular: infelicity
• positive degree: infelicitous
• infinitive: to infelicitate
• gerund: infelicitating
• participle: infelicitated

Origin and Evolution of infelicity

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'infelicity' originated from Latin, specifically from the word 'infelicitas' which means lack of happiness or misfortune.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'infelicity' has come to be used to describe a lack of skill or effectiveness in expression, as well as an unsuitability or inappropriateness in behavior or actions.