Meaning & Definition of word "Spiteful"
Spiteful
/ˈspaɪt.fəl/
adjective:
- 1. Showing or caused by spite; deliberately hurtful.
- Example: Her spiteful comments during the meeting created tension among team members.
- 2. Full of spite; venomous.
- Example: He made a spiteful decision to not invite her to the party after their argument.
- 3. Intent on harming someone's feelings or reputation.
- Example: The spiteful rumors spread throughout the school, damaging his reputation.
Etymology
●Derived from 'spite' (Old French 'espite', from Latin 'spiritus' meaning 'soul, breath, life') + 'ful' forming an adjective.
Common Phrases and Expressions
in spite of:
Without being affected or prevented by; despite.
out of spite:
Done to hurt or annoy someone.
spiteful behavior:
Actions taken to intentionally annoy or harm someone.
Related Words
spite:
A desire to hurt, annoy, or offend.
malice:
The intention or desire to do evil or cause injury.
Slang Meanings of spiteful
Meaning: Throwing shade
● Example Sentence: She was throwing shade at him during the meeting, being very spiteful.
Meaning: Petty
● Example Sentence: His petty actions were cruel and spiteful.