Salacious vs Licentious: What’s the Difference?
The difference at a glance
Salacious refers to the desire or appetite for scandal. Licentious refers to the actual state of disregarding sexual morality.
Example sentences are illustrative learning examples, not verified quotations.
What does Salacious mean?
adjective · /səˈleɪ.ʃəs/
Having or conveying undue or excessive interest in sexual matters — often with the suggestion of lurid attention to detail. Salacious content titillates rather than illuminates; salacious interest is prurient rather than genuine.
Explore SalaciousSalacious in a sentence
The tabloid coverage was salacious — it wanted titillation, not information.
Salacious gossip is gossip that has a sexual edge and doesn't want to let go of it.
What does Licentious mean?
adjective · /laɪˈsɛn.ʃəs/
Sexually promiscuous or morally unrestrained — disregarding accepted conventions, especially regarding sexual behaviour. Licentious implies the deliberate taking of licence beyond what convention permits.
Explore LicentiousLicentious in a sentence
She described the court of Charles II as licentious — which was accurate, by most accounts.
Licentious is a useful word for historians describing eras of moral relaxation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Salacious and Licentious?
Salacious refers to the desire or appetite for scandal. Licentious refers to the actual state of disregarding sexual morality.
What does Salacious mean?
Having or conveying undue or excessive interest in sexual matters — often with the suggestion of lurid attention to detail. Salacious content titillates rather than illuminates; salacious interest is prurient rather than genuine.
What does Licentious mean?
Sexually promiscuous or morally unrestrained — disregarding accepted conventions, especially regarding sexual behaviour. Licentious implies the deliberate taking of licence beyond what convention permits.