spiteful

/ˈspaɪtfl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈspaɪtfl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈspīt-fəl/ (ame, mw)

spiteful — adjective

  • spitefulpositive
  • more spitefulcomparative
  • most spitefulsuperlative

1. deliberately saying or doing small, mean things to make someone unhappy, usually

1.形容詞B2
釋義

deliberately saying or doing small, mean things to make someone unhappy, usually because you are angry at that person and want to get back at them

例句

Esme tore up her sister's drawing on purpose, which was a spiteful thing to do.

spiteful describing an action done to hurt someone

After losing the election, the mayor sent a spiteful letter blaming the whole town.

spiteful + noun (letter) motivated by anger

同義詞
  • malicious

    stronger; suggests a deeper wish to cause real harm

  • vindictive

    focuses on revenge for a past wrong

  • mean

    milder and more everyday; less about anger

  • vengeful

    centres on paying someone back

反義詞
  • kind

    wanting to help and please others

  • forgiving

    willing to let go of anger instead of getting back

用法筆記

Often describes a small, petty act done out of anger rather than serious harm; common pattern is 'spiteful of someone to do something' and 'a spiteful remark/comment/letter'.

常見錯誤

❌He was spiteful to help his enemy.
✅He was spiteful and refused to help his enemy.
💡spiteful means wanting to hurt, so it does not fit a kind action.
❌She gave a spiteful gift to thank him.
✅She gave a spiteful look when he won.
💡spiteful goes with mean acts, not friendly ones.