vile

/vaɪl/ (bre, ipa) · [vˈaɪl] /vaɪl/ (ame, ipa) · [vˈaɪl] /ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce vile (audio)/ (ame, mw)

vile — adjective

  • vilepositive
  • vilercomparative
  • vilestsuperlative

1. describing behaviour, words, or actions that are so morally wrong that most peop

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing behaviour, words, or actions that are so morally wrong that most people feel a strong sense of disgust or outrage — for example, betraying a friend for money or spreading cruel lies about someone.

例句

The journalist received vile threats after publishing an article about government corruption.

collocation: vile threats

Asher was shocked by the vile comments posted online about his sister's accident.

collocation: vile comments

同義詞
  • despicable

    focuses on the person or act deserving contempt

  • abhorrent

    more formal; stresses the feeling of loathing

  • wicked

    broader range, from morally evil to mischievous

反義詞
  • admirable

    describes actions that earn respect

  • noble

    suggests high moral character and selflessness

文法句型

vile + noun

be + vile

用法筆記

Stronger than 'bad' or 'immoral'; carries a tone of outrage at the moral dimension. Common in news reports and social commentary about cruelty or betrayal.

常見錯誤

❌The weather was vile yesterday.
✅The weather was awful yesterday.
💡'vile' is far too strong for describing ordinary bad weather; use 'awful' or 'terrible' instead.

2. extremely unpleasant in a physical or sensory way — describing a taste, smell, s

2.形容詞B2
釋義

extremely unpleasant in a physical or sensory way — describing a taste, smell, sight, or texture that makes you feel sick or want to move away.

例句

A vile smell of rotten cabbage and old fish rose from the market drain.

collocation: vile smell

Pedro refused to finish the stew because the sauce had a vile grey colour.

collocation: vile colour

同義詞
  • disgusting

    more common in everyday speech; similar strength

  • foul

    often used for smells and tastes; slightly milder

  • repulsive

    emphasises the urge to push away or avoid

反義詞
  • pleasant

    general opposite for sensory experiences

  • delightful

    more emotional — suggests enjoyment, not just absence of disgust

文法句型

vile + noun

be + vile

用法筆記

Commonly describes sensory experiences such as smell, taste, colour, and texture. Not typically used for sounds — 'hideous' or 'dreadful' are more natural for unpleasant noises.

常見錯誤

❌The music at the party was vile.
✅The music at the party was awful.
💡'vile' is usually physical/sensory, not for sounds.