riotous

Everyday

1. Noisy, wild and out of control, like a riot. tree →
2. Full of fun, loud laughter and wild energy: «a riotous party». tree →
3. (of colour or plants) Very bright, rich or growing wildly. tree →

In the lessons

In news and history it describes violent crowds. In stories and everyday life it often means wild fun: a riotous birthday party or a riotous comedy. In nature writing, a garden can be «a riot of colour». Phrases: «riotous laughter», «riotous behaviour», «a riotous time».

Examples

• The clown show ended in riotous laughter. tree →
• The crowd became riotous after the match. tree →
• We had a riotous time at the sleepover. tree →
• The garden was riotous with colour in June. tree →
• Riotous behaviour on the bus is dangerous. tree →
• The story is a riotous adventure with pirates and pies. tree →

Note

From «riot». Adverb: «riotously». In UK law, «riotous assembly» was an old crime. Context tells you if it is good fun or real danger.

In Jewish tradition

Loud, wild and unruly; used of the foolish woman, the wayward woman, and of strong drink.

Interpretation. Proverbs paints wildness as a danger, and the sages read the "woman Folly" as a picture of temptation that leads away from wisdom.

Examples

• The woman Folly is riotous; she is thoughtless, and knoweth nothing. (Writings PRO.9.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• She is riotous and rebellious, her feet abide not in her house; (Writings PRO.7.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• Wine is a mocker, strong drink is riotous; and whosoever reeleth thereby is not wise. (Writings PRO.20.1, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

From «riot». Adverb: «riotously». In UK law, «riotous assembly» was an old crime. Context tells you if it is good fun or real danger.