Meaning & Definition of word "Insidious"
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Insidious
/ɪnˈsɪd.i.əs/
adjective:
- 1. Intended to deceive or entrap; sly, treacherous.
- Example: The insidious nature of the disease often means that symptoms do not appear until it is too late for effective treatment.
- 2. Having a gradual and cumulative effect; subtle but harmful.
- Example: The insidious influence of advertising can manipulate our desires without us even realizing it.
- 3. Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects.
- Example: His insidious plan to undermine the team's efforts went unnoticed until it was too late.
Etymology
Late Middle English, from Latin 'insidiosus' meaning 'deceitful'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
insidious plot:
A scheme that is intended to deceive or betray.
insidious disease:
An illness that develops gradually and may not show symptoms until it is advanced.
Related Words
insidiously:
In a way that is deceitful or treacherous.
insidiousness:
The quality of being insidious.
Slang Meanings of insidious
Meaning: Sly or underhanded dealings.
Example Sentence: They pulled an insidious move to get ahead in the competition.