Crooked Meaning

Crooked

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Not straight; bent or twisted in shape or direction.
2. Dishonest or morally wrong; corrupt.
3. Having a wavy or irregular shape, especially when referring to lines or forms.
4. Deformed or not in a proper position.
5. In a figurative sense, involving unfair or illegal actions, such as crooked dealings.

History and Origin

The word “crooked” comes from the Old English crocc, meaning “a bend or hook,” and was originally used to describe anything that was bent or twisted. Over time, it began to be used metaphorically to describe morally questionable behavior, as in “crooked practices,” reflecting the idea of deviation from honesty or fairness.

Detailed Explanation

“Crooked” generally refers to something that is not straight or is bent out of shape, whether physically or in a figurative sense. Physically, it can describe objects, lines, or structures that are warped, bent, or deformed. In a moral context, it refers to actions, people, or behavior that are dishonest, illegal, or corrupt. The word also evokes a sense of something being off-course, whether it’s a road or someone’s character.

Example Sentences

1. The road ahead was crooked and winding, making it hard to drive.
2. He tried to hide his crooked actions, but they were soon discovered.
3. The tree’s trunk grew in a crooked shape due to the strong winds.
4. They were involved in a crooked scheme to embezzle money from the company.
5. His crooked smile revealed that he was up to something mischievous.
6. The painting had a crooked frame, which made it look off-center.
7. The detective uncovered the crooked dealings of the businessman.
8. She walked with a crooked posture after the accident.
9. The path through the woods was crooked and overgrown with vines.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Bent – Curved or twisted out of shape, often used to describe physical crookedness.
2. Twisted – Contorted or deformed, typically used to describe something that is bent or not straight.
3. Corrupt – Morally wrong or dishonest, especially in a figurative sense of crooked behavior.
4. Dishonest – Lacking honesty or integrity, often used to describe crooked actions or people.
5. Shady – Suspicious or dishonorable, often implying illegal or unethical behavior, similar to crooked dealings.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Warped – Distorted or bent out of shape, especially in a physical sense.
2. Deformed – Misshapen or altered from the normal shape, often referring to a physical aspect.
3. Irregular – Uneven or not symmetrical, similar to the concept of crookedness.
4. Farcical – Ridiculous or absurd, sometimes used to describe actions that are crooked in nature.
5. Unethical – Not conforming to moral standards, often used to describe crooked behavior.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Jagged – Having sharp, irregular edges, similar to something that is crooked.
2. Askew – Out of alignment or crooked, especially used to describe angles or positioning.
3. Devious – Dishonest or sneaky, often used to describe people who engage in crooked actions.
4. Bowed – Bent forward or curved, often used to describe a physically crooked form.
5. Wicked – Evil or morally wrong, frequently used to describe crooked actions or intentions.

Antonyms

1. Straight
2. Honest
3. Upright
4. Proper
5. Symmetrical