Meaning & Definition of word "Nefarious"

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    Nefarious

    /nɪˈfɛəriəs/

    adjective:

    • 1. wicked or criminal; villainous.
      • Example: The villain hatched a nefarious plan to take over the city.
    • 2. infamous by way of being extremely wicked.
      • Example: The nefarious activities of the gang led to their eventual downfall.
    • 3. evil or morally reprehensible.
      • Example: Her nefarious dealings in the underworld did not go unnoticed by law enforcement.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'nefarious', meaning 'wicked' or 'evil', from 'nefarius' (no lawful or good).

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    nefarious activities:

    Actions that are illegal and morally wrong.

    nefarious character:

    A person with a wicked and villainous nature.

    nefarious schemes:

    Plans that are intended for illegal or immoral purposes.

    Related Words

    villain:

    A character whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot.

    malicious:

    Characterized by intended harm or evil.

    immoral:

    Not conforming to accepted standards of morality.

    Slang Meanings of nefarious

    Meaning: Plainly evil or bad.

    Example Sentence: That guy is totally nefarious, always scheming something.

    Meaning: Used to describe something outrageously bad.

    Example Sentence: Dude, that movie's plot was so nefarious, it was hilarious.