revengefulness

IPA/ɹɪvˈɛndʒfəlnəs/
IPA/ɹᵻvˈɛndʒfəlnəs/

revengefulness — noun

1. a lasting wish to strike back at someone after they have hurt you

1.nounC2
Definition

a lasting wish to strike back at someone after they have hurt you

Example

Elena's revengefulness returned when her brother mentioned the stolen ring.

possessive subject naming the feeling

After the lawsuit, Ziad worried that the landlord's revengefulness would grow.

Synonyms
  • vindictiveness

    often sounds colder and more stubborn in formal writing

  • vengefulness

    a close synonym that is a little more common

  • spite

    often points to smaller, meaner acts rather than a lasting attitude

Antonyms
  • forgiveness

    letting go of the wish to hurt someone back

  • mercy

    showing kindness instead of punishment

Usage Note

Usually uncountable and often used after a possessive or with verbs like show, feed, and grow. It names an ongoing desire to get even, not one single act of revenge.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Revengefulness names the state of wanting to get even after being hurt. Revenge usually points to the act someone takes, while revengefulness focuses on the bitter feeling behind it. Vindictiveness often sounds colder and more stubborn, especially in formal writing about a person who will not let go. Vengefulness is very close in meaning, but it is a little more natural in everyday use. Spite usually suggests smaller, meaner actions done to hurt someone. If you want to describe a lasting inner urge for payback, revengefulness fits best.

vindictiveness ↗vengefulness ↗spite ↗revenge ↗

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Revengefulness is formed from revengeful and the ending -ness. Revengeful comes from revenge, a word that entered English through French and ultimately goes back to Latin roots connected with punishment and getting even. The ending -ness turns the adjective into the name of a state or quality.