English · Emotions & Feelings

spiteful

ˈspaɪtfəl

[ˈspaɪtfəl]

wanting to hurt others

Intermediateadjective

Definition

Showing a desire to harm or annoy others out of ill will.

Example

He made spiteful remarks about his rival.

He made spiteful remarks about his rival.

Etymology

From 'spite', a shortening of 'despite', from Latin 'despicere' meaning 'to look down on'.

How & Where It’s Used

Describes malicious, ill-willed behaviour.

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emotionnegative

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