Gory: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Last Updated on
March 18, 2025

1. Gory (adjective): Involving or showing bloodshed or violence.
2. Gory (adjective): Marked by vivid or graphic details, especially of a shocking or gruesome nature.
3. Gory (adjective): Excessively or unnecessarily detailed, often in relation to unpleasant or horrifying aspects.

The term "gory" is most often associated with descriptions of violence, bloodshed, or extreme detail that evokes shock or horror. Frequently used in storytelling, cinema, and discussions of graphic content, "gory" effectively conveys scenes or details that are intense, vivid, and sometimes disturbing. Read on to explore its definitions, usage, pronunciation, and more.

"Gory" Definition: What Does "Gory" Mean?

The word "gory" is often employed in contexts requiring a strong emphasis on violent or shocking visuals. Below are its primary definitions and usage contexts.

Definition of "Gory": Involving Bloodshed

As an adjective, "gory" commonly refers to content or situations that depict or are characterized by bloodshed and violence. This usage is frequent in descriptions of battle scenes, horror films, or graphic stories.

Definition of "Gory": Graphic

"Gory" also describes highly detailed or explicit accounts, often shocking in nature. This might include descriptions of events, injuries, or accidents with an emphasis on their visual or visceral impact.

Definition of "Gory": Overly Detailed

In a broader sense, "gory" can refer to excessive or unnecessary detail in descriptions, particularly when focusing on unpleasant or horrifying aspects.

Parts of Speech

"Gory" functions exclusively as an adjective in English. It is used to qualify nouns, providing a vivid description of events, scenes, or details. While it primarily relates to violence or bloodshed, its usage can extend metaphorically to describe any overly graphic or shocking detail.

How to Pronounce "Gory"?

The pronunciation of "gory" is simple, with two syllables and emphasis on the first.

The first syllable, /ˈɡɔːr/, rhymes with "core," pronounced with an open "o" sound. The second syllable, /i/, sounds like "ee" in "see," but softer.

Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈɡɔːr.i/

Synonyms of "Gory": Other Ways to Say "Gory"

Using synonyms of "gory" can enrich descriptions and provide variety in speech and writing. Some alternatives include:

  • Gruesome
  • Macabre
  • Bloody
  • Ghastly
  • Horrific
  • Shocking
  • Brutal

Antonyms of "Gory": Other Ways to Say "Gory"

Antonyms of "gory" are useful for describing content that is mild, sanitized, or free from violence:

  • Peaceful
  • Gentle
  • Clean
  • Unblemished
  • Nonviolent
  • Subdued
  • Serene

Examples of "Gory" in a Sentence

The word "gory" can be used in various contexts to describe scenes, events, or details. Here are ten examples:

  1. The horror movie was filled with gory scenes that left the audience gasping.
  2. The battlefield was a gory reminder of the horrors of war.
  3. The police report included gory details about the crime scene.
  4. He recounted the accident in such gory detail that I felt nauseous.
  5. The surgeon explained the procedure without sparing any gory details.
  6. The novel's climax was shockingly gory, leaving readers unsettled.
  7. The gory images in the documentary were hard to watch.
  8. The journalist avoided using gory descriptions out of respect for the victims.
  9. The video game was criticized for its excessive and unnecessary gory content.
  10. The aftermath of the battle was too gory to describe in words.

Frequency of Use

The word "gory" is moderately common in English, particularly in entertainment and media contexts. It is most often used in descriptions of films, books, or real-life events involving explicit or graphic content. Its usage reflects a growing interest in realistic depictions in storytelling and reporting, though it is often avoided in formal or sensitive contexts.

Variants of "Gory"

Although "gory" has no direct morphological variants, its related forms include derivations for stylistic or linguistic adaptation:

  1. Goriness (noun): The quality or state of being gory.
  2. Gorily (adverb): In a gory or graphic manner.

Related Terms to "Gory"

Understanding related terms helps contextualize "gory" and its usage:

  1. Gruesome
  2. Violent
  3. Graphic
  4. Horrific
  5. Sanguinary

Etymology: History and Origins of "Gory"

The word "gory" originates from the Old English word gor, meaning "blood" or "gore," combined with the suffix "-y" to form an adjective. It evolved in Middle English to describe anything bloody or violent. Over time, its meaning expanded to include vivid or shocking details, particularly in storytelling or visual media.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Gory"

While "gory" itself is not commonly compounded, its related forms enrich its descriptive power:

  1. Goriness: The quality of being bloody or violent.
  2. Gorily: Describing an action done in a graphic or bloody manner.

Common Misspellings of "Gory"

Mistakes in spelling "gory" are rare due to its simplicity, but here are a few examples:

  1. Gorry
  2. Gorrey
  3. Gorri

10 Idioms Similar to "Gory"

Idioms can offer creative expressions similar to the intensity or shocking nature of "gory." Here are ten examples:

  1. Paint the town red
  2. Bloody battle
  3. Grisly details
  4. Bone-chilling
  5. Cut to the bone
  6. Rivers of blood
  7. Scared stiff
  8. Fight tooth and nail
  9. Out for blood
  10. Dark and stormy

10 Common Questions About "Gory"

Here are frequently asked questions about "gory" along with concise answers:

1. What does "gory" mean?

"Gory" describes content involving bloodshed, violence, or explicit detail.

2. Is "gory" always negative?

Not necessarily, but it often carries a shocking or gruesome connotation.

3. Can "gory" describe non-violent situations?

Yes, it can refer to graphic or overly vivid descriptions, even in non-violent contexts.

4. What is a synonym for "gory"?

"Gruesome" is a common synonym.

5. What is the noun form of "gory"?

The noun form is "goriness."

6. Is "gory" used in literature?

Yes, particularly in genres like horror, thriller, or war narratives.

7. How does "gory" differ from "gruesome"?

"Gory" focuses on blood or violence, while "gruesome" can refer to anything horrifying or disgusting.

8. Is "gory" appropriate for formal writing?

It depends on the context; it’s more common in descriptive or narrative styles.

9. What is a less intense alternative to "gory"?

"Graphic" can be used as a softer alternative.

10. Can "gory" describe visual art?

Yes, it’s often used to describe violent or blood-filled artwork.

Conclusion

"Gory" vividly describes graphic, bloody, or violent scenes or details. Its usage effectively conveys intense and often shocking imagery in narratives and descriptions. By exploring its meaning, one gains insight into its relevance in literature, media, and communication.

We encourage you to share this article on Twitter and Facebook. Just click those two links - you'll see why.

It's important to share the news to spread the truth. Most people won't.

U.S Dictionary is the premier dictionary about the English language as used in the United States of America.
Copyright © 2025 - U.S. Dictionary
Privacy Policy
magnifier