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Does Grimy Mean Dirty?

Published in Vocabulary 1 min read

Yes, grimy essentially means dirty. However, it carries a slightly different connotation than just plain "dirty."

Grimy vs. Dirty: What's the Difference?

While both words describe something unclean, "grimy" implies a specific type of dirtiness. It suggests a sticky, ingrained dirtiness, often caused by grime, which is a mixture of dirt, grease, and other substances.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Dirty: General term for something unclean.
  • Grimy: Specifically refers to a sticky, ingrained dirtiness.

Examples:

  • Dirty: A dirty dish, a dirty floor, a dirty car.
  • Grimy: A grimy countertop, grimy hands, grimy old clothes.

In essence, "grimy" is a more descriptive term for a specific type of dirtiness. It paints a picture of something coated in a thick, stubborn layer of grime.

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