vindictive

/vɪnˈdɪktɪv/ (bre, ipa) · [vɪndˈɪktɪv] /vɪnˈdɪktɪv/ (ame, ipa) · [vɪndˈɪktɪv] /vin-ˈdik-tiv How to pronounce vindictive (audio)/ (ame, mw)

vindictive — adjective

  • vindictivepositive
  • more vindictivecomparative
  • most vindictivesuperlative

1. still wanting to punish or hurt someone because you feel that person treated you

1.形容詞C1
釋義

still wanting to punish or hurt someone because you feel that person treated you badly, and unable to let the anger go

例句

After the lawsuit, Gabriel stayed vindictive and kept telling neighbours false stories about Mina.

vindictive person still trying to get back at someone

A vindictive manager cut Jin's weekend shifts after Jin questioned the decision.

vindictive + person who punishes after a challenge

同義詞
  • vengeful

    stronger and slightly more literary; directly centres on revenge

  • resentful

    focuses on hurt feelings and may not lead to payback

  • bitter

    emphasizes long-lasting anger more than active revenge

  • spiteful

    often points to pettier acts rather than a deeper grudge

反義詞
  • forgiving

    ready to stop blaming someone and move on

  • fair

    not trying to punish someone out of personal anger

用法筆記

Usually describes a person or lasting attitude after a real or imagined wrong. It often appears when someone keeps looking for ways to get even, rather than calming down.

常見錯誤

❌My vindictive teacher praised my hard work.
✅My vindictive teacher cut my club hours after our argument.
💡vindictive suggests trying to get back at someone, not rewarding them.
❌She felt vindictive about the weather.
✅She felt vindictive toward the neighbour who damaged her bike.
💡vindictive is directed at a person after a perceived wrong.

2. deliberately unkind in a way that tries to sting, embarrass, or upset someone, o

2.形容詞C1
釋義

deliberately unkind in a way that tries to sting, embarrass, or upset someone, often through words or small actions

例句

Ziad sent a vindictive text mocking a cousin's cheap birthday gift.

vindictive + message meant to sting

The article ended with a vindictive joke about the singer's divorce.

vindictive modifying a hurtful remark

同義詞
  • malicious

    broader and often stronger; can involve serious harm

  • spiteful

    more everyday and often used for petty, mean acts

  • nasty

    less formal and less focused on deliberate payback

反義詞
  • kind

    showing care instead of trying to wound someone

  • gracious

    polite and generous even in an awkward moment

用法筆記

Often modifies words like comment, text, note, smile, or joke. Unlike sense 1, it can describe one hurtful act even when there is no long campaign of revenge behind it.

常見錯誤

❌He gave a vindictive apology for being late.
✅He gave a vindictive laugh when she dropped the tray.
💡vindictive fits hurtful actions or comments, not sincere apologies.
❌The notice gave vindictive safety advice.
✅The notice ended with a vindictive warning aimed at one worker.
💡vindictive adds malice, not neutral information.