viridity

[ vuh-rid-i-tee ]

noun

1. greenness; verdure.
2. youth; innocence; inexperience.

   Synonyms: simplicity, naiveté

viridity

/ vɪˈrɪdɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality or state of being green; greenness; verdancy
2. innocence, youth, or freshness

Word History and Origins

Origin of viridity¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Old French viridité, from Latin viriditās (stem viriditāt- ) “greenness (as of vegetation; youth, inexperience,” equivalent to viridi(s) “green” + -tās- -ty ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of viridity¹

C15: from Latin viriditās, from viridis green

Example Sentences

Ennis saw dimly through green-lit spaces a city in the near distance, an unholy city of emerald hue whose unsymmetrical, twisted towers and minarets aspired into heavens of hellish viridity.

From Project Gutenberg

We cannot trace any common elements in sugar and scent, or in leaves and emeralds, by which to define sweetness and viridity; but we think we can discern some in the ludicrous.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brightness
• inventiveness
• novelty
• originality
• vigor