1
Core meaning
Depravity, wickedness, or grave moral corruption.
Example
The court described the deliberate exploitation as an act of moral turpitude.
turpitude
/ˈtɜːpɪtjuːd/ · TUR-pih-toodnoun
Depravity, wickedness, or grave moral corruption.
Use turpitude to express this relationship precisely: depravity, wickedness, or grave moral corruption.
What turpitude Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
The novel contrasts public elegance with private turpitude.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
Negligence alone does not necessarily establish turpitude.
Use turpitude Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The court described the deliberate exploitation as an act of moral turpitude.
The novel contrasts public elegance with private turpitude.
Negligence alone does not necessarily establish turpitude.
Precision Matters
Turpitude overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
turpitude
vs.Means depravity, wickedness, or grave moral corruption.
avarice
Means an extreme and selfish desire to acquire or possess wealth and material gain.
turpitude
vs.Means depravity, wickedness, or grave moral corruption.
chicanery
Means deception, trickery, or dishonest manipulation used to gain an advantage.
turpitude
vs.Means depravity, wickedness, or grave moral corruption.
calumny
Means a false and malicious statement intended to damage someone's reputation; slander.
turpitude
vs.Means depravity, wickedness, or grave moral corruption.
malevolent
Means having or showing a desire to cause harm, suffering, or evil to others.
Test turpitude in Context
The conduct demonstrates grave wickedness and moral depravity.
1
The systematic torture of prisoners revealed not mere incompetence but profound moral ___.