venomous

/ˈvenəməs/ (bre, ipa) · [vˈɛnəməs] /ˈvenəməs/ (ame, ipa) · [vˈɛnəməs] /ˈve-nə-məs How to pronounce venomous (audio)/ (ame, mw)

venomous — adjective

  • venomouspositive
  • more venomouscomparative
  • most venomoussuperlative

1. describes an animal such as a snake, spider, or scorpion that produces a poisono

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes an animal such as a snake, spider, or scorpion that produces a poisonous liquid (venom) inside its body and can force that liquid into another creature through a bite or a sting.

例句

The hiker stepped on a venomous snake and was rushed to the hospital.

venomous + snake (typical animal collocation)

Not all spiders are venomous, but the black widow is one you should avoid.

同義詞
  • poisonous

    broader term that includes both injected and ingested toxins; often used loosely for any toxic creature, but technically distinct from venomous

  • toxic

    general term for any harmful substance; less specific than venomous and not limited to animal bites or stings

  • dangerous

    much broader; refers to any source of harm, not specifically to poison injection

反義詞
  • nonvenomous

    direct opposite; describes animals that do not produce or inject venom

  • harmless

    broader opposite; describes something that causes no harm of any kind

文法句型

venomous + [animal]

be venomous

用法筆記

Technically, venomous applies only to animals that actively inject poison through a bite or sting. Plants or mushrooms that are toxic when eaten are called poisonous, not venomous.

常見錯誤

❌These berries are venomous.
✅These berries are poisonous.
💡Venomous describes animals that inject poison; poisonous describes things that are toxic when eaten or touched.
❌The venomous snake's poison dripped from its fangs.
✅The venomous snake's venom dripped from its fangs.
💡The poison that a venomous animal produces is called venom, not poison.

2. full of strong anger, hatred, or cruelty; intended to hurt someone emotionally,

2.形容詞C1
釋義

full of strong anger, hatred, or cruelty; intended to hurt someone emotionally, as when someone makes a very nasty remark or gives a hostile look.

例句

Clara gave her ex-boyfriend a venomous look that silenced the whole room.

venomous + look (figurative use with facial expressions)

The senator's venomous speech against refugees shocked many moderate voters.

同義詞
  • malicious

    very close in meaning; focuses on the intent to cause harm, while venomous adds a feel of bitterness and intensity

  • spiteful

    emphasises petty meanness and a desire to get back at someone; slightly less intense than venomous

  • vicious

    implies violent or ferocious cruelty; can describe both words and physical acts, whereas venomous is limited to speech, looks, and attitudes

  • vitriolic

    formal term for speech or writing full of bitter criticism; similar intensity but more literary

反義詞
  • kind

    direct opposite in attitude; describes gentle, caring words or behaviour

  • benevolent

    formal opposite; describes well-meaning, generous intentions

  • warm-hearted

    colloquial opposite; describes a person who is naturally friendly and caring

文法句型

venomous + [abstract noun]

be venomous

用法筆記

This figurative sense is common in written and formal contexts. In everyday conversation, milder words such as 'mean' or 'nasty' are more frequent. The intensity of venomous implies deliberate cruelty, not just casual rudeness.

常見錯誤

❌He made a venomous joke about the rainy weather.
✅He made a venomous remark about his colleague's mistake.
💡Venomous implies strong hatred or cruelty, not mild criticism; it is too strong for light topics.