bloody
gb/blˈʌdi/ us/blˈʌdi/
A2
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
informal
B2
relation
1
Used for emphasis, often in anger
Used to make another word stronger, often when you are angry or upset. Some people think it is a rude word.
Usage pattern:
bloody [adjective/noun/verb]
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'bloody' in formal situations without realizing it can sound rude or offensive.
Synonyms
damn (Similar informal intensifier, also considered vulgar by some.)
|
very (Neutral intensifier without vulgar connotation.)
Collocations
bloody mess
|bloody awful
|bloody hell
|bloody idiot
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- It was a bloody nightmare trying to find parking.
- That’s a bloody good idea!
- I’m bloody tired after that long hike.
- They made a bloody mess of the kitchen.
- This bloody phone never works when I need it.
Learner examples
- It is a bloody hot day.
- He is a bloody fool.
- This is a bloody hard test.
- I am bloody tired.
- That is a bloody big dog.
adjective
A2
property
2
Covered in blood
Having blood on it or on the surface.
Usage pattern:
[something] is bloody
Synonyms
bloodstained (Emphasizes that the object has blood marks on it.)
|
gory (Suggests a lot of blood and often violence.)
Antonyms
clean (Free from dirt, marks, or stains including blood.)
Collocations
bloody nose
|bloody shirt
|bloody wound
Themes
health
|violence
|body
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- His hands were bloody after the fight.
- The nurse treated his bloody knee.
- She found a bloody handkerchief on the ground.
- He came home with a bloody lip.
- The towel was bloody from wiping the wound.
Learner examples
- My shirt is bloody.
- He has a bloody hand.
- The dog has a bloody ear.
- Her face is bloody.
- I see a bloody knife.
adverb
informal
B2
relation
3
Emphasizing degree strongly
Used to make another word stronger, often when you are angry or upset. Some people think it is rude.
Usage pattern:
bloody [verb/adjective/adverb]
Synonyms
damn (Similar informal intensifier with vulgar tone.)
|
really (Neutral intensifier without offensive connotation.)
Collocations
bloody well know
|bloody hate
|bloody love
Themes
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I bloody hate traffic jams.
- You bloody well knew what you were doing!
- I’m bloody freezing out here.
- She bloody loves that show.
- We bloody missed the last train.
Learner examples
- I bloody hate cold weather.
- She bloody loves cats.
- We bloody missed the bus.
- He bloody forgot my birthday.
- They bloody broke my phone.
Grammar
Dictionary form
bloody
IPA
GB/blˈʌdi/
US/blˈʌdi/
Syllables & stress
bloody (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (bloody)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: bloody
- Comparative: bloodier
- Superlative: bloodiest
Word family
Expressions
bloody hell
1/blˈʌdi hˈɛl/
fixed phrase
informal
Exclamation of surprise or anger
A phrase you say when you are surprised, angry, or annoyed. It can sound rude to some people.
Examples
- Bloody hell! I forgot my wallet at home.
- Bloody hell, what happened here?
bloody well
1/blˈʌdi wˈɛl/
fixed phrase
informal
Strong emphasis on certainty or insistence
Used before a verb to show you are very sure or want something to happen strongly. It can sound rude to some people.
Examples
- You’d better bloody well be on time!
- I will bloody well do it myself if I have to.