accursed - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
accursed Word Meanings
- under a curse
- damned or doomed
- contemptibly bad
accursed Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
accursed Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈkɜːst/
US
/əˈkɜrst/
accursed Word Etymology
(a) accursed = 'a' (intensive) + 'cursed'; (b) from Latin 'maledictus' → Old French 'acursé' → English; (c) Imagine a once beautiful garden now overrun with thorns and shadow, cursed by an ancient spell, evoking a sense of loss and despair.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Accursed is a deliberately strong, archaic adjective used to mark something or someone as cursed, damned, or doomed. It carries a sense of fate and misfortune, often with a literary or historical flavor. Originally formed as an intensifier around the root cursed, it evokes a garden or house trapped in a spell, yet it can also describe a particularly contemptible thing or event. In modern usage it sounds old-fashioned or humorous when used playfully. Common contexts include literary descriptions, dramatic dialogue, or expressions of exasperation about persistently bad luck or morally reprehensible behavior.
Usage Reminders
- Use sparingly in modern writing
- Avoid in formal reports unless you want a historical or humorous tone
- Pairs well with 'the accursed' to emphasize a noun
- Spelling is ACCURSED, not accursed with a space
- Be mindful of register; it sounds archaic or literary
- Can be replaced by 'damned' or 'cursed' depending on context
Common Misconceptions
- It is used only about religious concepts
- It is the same as damned in all contexts
- It is appropriate for casual, everyday speech
- It can describe anything perfectly bad without nuance
- It always refers to people, never things
Thinking Differences
Accursed is an archaic, literary flavor in English; learners often overdo its drama or misplace it in everyday talk. In modern English, easier synonyms are cursed or damned, with damned carrying a stronger/taboo edge.
Learning Tips
- Note the archaic tone and use in literary contexts
- Pair with nouns like the accursed item to emphasize
- Distinguish from damned by register depending on formality
- Mind the spelling: ACCURSED is one word
- Avoid in formal reports unless stylistic choice is intentional
- Practice with quotes from classic literature
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'accursed'?
A.Blessed; favored
B.Cursed; under a curse
C.Happy; joyful
D.Cherished; loved
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'accursed' correctly?
A.The accursed mountain was a beautiful sight.
B.The spell left him feeling accursed forever.
C.I accursed my friend for being late.
D.She prepared an accursed dish for dinner.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'accursed'?
A.Cursed
B.Blessed
C.Enjoyed
D.Liked
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'accursed'?
A.Blessed
B.Damned
C.Hated
D.Condemned
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might feel accursed?
A.She felt all her lucky charms abandoned her.
B.The family remembered their accursed history with the haunted house.
C.They enjoyed a sunny day at the beach.
D.He celebrated his birthday with friends.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App