The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

disheveled

IPA:

Dictionary definition of disheveled

Untidy, unkempt, or in a state of disarray.
"Rosalind rushed into the meeting room with disheveled hair and a wrinkled blouse."

Detailed meaning of disheveled

It refers to the disordered or messy condition of someone's hair, clothing, or overall presentation. A disheveled individual may have disarranged or tousled hair, wrinkled or disheveled clothing, and an overall lack of neatness. The term suggests a lack of attention to grooming or personal appearance, often indicating a state of hurriedness, laziness, or disorganization. A disheveled appearance can be the result of various factors such as physical activity, lack of time, or simply a disregard for maintaining a polished and orderly look. It is an adjective used to describe a state of untidiness or a lack of neatness in someone's appearance.

Example sentences containing disheveled

1. After a long night of partying, Mark stumbled home with a disheveled appearance.
2. The wind gusts left Mary's once sleek hairstyle disheveled and tousled.
3. The detective's disheveled attire hinted at the long hours he had spent on the case.
4. Alex's disheveled appearance suggested that they had just woken up.
5. The disheveled state of the living room revealed a chaotic and untidy lifestyle.
6. Emma's disheveled desk was a reflection of her scattered and disorganized mind.

History and etymology of disheveled

The adjective 'disheveled' finds its origins in the 16th century, coming from the Middle English word 'discheveled,' which means 'bareheaded' or 'with disordered hair.' It can be broken down into two key components: 'dis-' and 'shevel.' The prefix 'dis-' originates from Latin, signifying negation or reversal, while 'shevel' is derived from the Old English word 'sceaf,' meaning 'hair.' Therefore, when exploring the etymology of 'disheveled,' it conveys the idea of being untidy, unkempt, or in a state of disarray, particularly in reference to one's hair being disordered. The use of 'dis-' emphasizes the negation or reversal of a tidy or well-groomed appearance, highlighting the messy or disordered nature of the subject's hair or overall appearance.

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Further usage examples of disheveled

1. The hiker emerged from the forest with a disheveled look, covered in dirt and leaves.
2. The disheveled books on the shelf hinted at the reader's voracious appetite for knowledge.
3. The disheveled state of the garden indicated a lack of care and maintenance.
4. Despite his disheveled appearance, Tom confidently delivered a brilliant presentation.
5. The disheveled clothing of the homeless man tugged at the passerby's heartstrings.
6. He arrived at the meeting looking disheveled and exhausted.
7. After the long hike, their hair and clothes were disheveled.
8. The abandoned house appeared dark and disheveled.
9. She woke up with disheveled hair and sleepy eyes.
10. The hurricane left the landscape disheveled and chaotic.
11. His disheveled appearance suggested a sleepless night.
12. The old attic was filled with disheveled, forgotten treasures.
13. She rushed into the room, disheveled and out of breath.
14. The disheveled garden needed some serious maintenance.
15. The wind left her hair disheveled and tangled.
16. The room was disheveled after the children's playtime.
17. His disheveled desk was a reflection of his chaotic workday.
18. The actor's disheveled costume added authenticity to the role.
19. The disheveled appearance of the abandoned car was eerie.
20. Her disheveled state revealed the stress she was under.
21. The disheveled manuscripts were scattered across the floor.
22. The disheveled bookshelves were in need of organizing.
23. The disheveled barn housed a family of stray cats.
24. His disheveled beard gave him a rugged appearance.
25. She emerged from the storm, disheveled but triumphant.