Evil Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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evil

[ˈiːvəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in moral or spiritual sense

Profoundly immoral and malevolent. Evil is typically associated with harm, destruction, and wickedness. It is often seen as the opposite of good.

Synonyms

malevolent, malicious, sinister, wicked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
evil	Used to describe something profoundly immoral, harmful, or wicked. Often general in nature. He demonstrated an evil desire to harm others The evil dictator suppressed the freedom of the people
wicked	Often used to describe someone or something that is morally wrong or evil. It can range from playful mischief to profound evil. The wicked witch cast a spell on the village His wicked laugh echoed through the halls
sinister	Used to describe something that seems evil or gives the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen. Often has a creepy or foreboding connotation. There was a sinister note in his voice The dark alley had a sinister atmosphere
malevolent	Describes someone who wishes to do harm or evil to others, often with an intention that is clear and purposeful. Her malevolent gaze filled him with dread The malevolent spirit haunted the house for years
malicious	Applied to actions or behaviors that are intended to harm or cause trouble, often out of spite or malice. He spread malicious rumors about his coworker The malware was designed to be malicious

Examples of usage

The evil queen plotted to overthrow the kingdom.
His evil deeds haunted him for the rest of his life.
She could sense the evil presence in the abandoned house.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general sense of harm or wickedness

The force or power believed to be responsible for the presence of evil in the world. Evil is often considered a universal concept that manifests in various forms.

Synonyms

darkness, malevolence, sin, wickedness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
evil	General term for something morally wrong or harmful. It can refer to actions, characters, or intentions. The villain in the story was pure evil The evil deeds he committed were unforgivable
wickedness	Actions or behavior that is morally wrong or very bad. Often used to describe people or actions with a strong negative connotation. Her wickedness knew no bounds as she plotted her revenge They shivered at the tales of his wickedness
malevolence	Refers to ill-will or the desire to cause harm to others. It suggests intentional harm or malice. His malevolence was evident in the way he talked about his enemies She could feel the malevolence in his gaze
sin	Specifically tied to religious or moral transgressions. It often implies actions that go against divine or moral laws. He confessed his sins to the priest Greed is considered a sin in many religions
darkness	Mainly used in a metaphorical sense to describe a state of ignorance, despair, or hidden danger. She felt a sense of darkness engulfing her after the tragic news The room was filled with darkness, both literally and metaphorically

Examples of usage

Many believed that the evil in the world was a result of human actions.
The battle between good and evil raged on for centuries.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

Philosophers have debated whether evil is a natural part of the human condition or a social construct.
The problem of evil questions how a good and powerful deity can allow suffering and wrongdoing.

Literature

In classic literature, characters embodying evil often face rivalries with heroes, showcasing the struggle between good and bad.
Works like 'The Lord of the Rings' explore the corrupting influence of power and the nature of evil.

Psychology

Studies suggest that individuals perceived as evil often exhibit traits like lack of empathy and remorse.
Some theories posit that social and environmental factors can significantly influence those deemed 'evil'.

Pop Culture

Evil characters are staples in movies and shows, often depicted with sinister themes, like in Disney movies where the villain often has a captivating backstory.
The archetype of the 'evil genius' is prevalent in media, illustrating the idea that intelligence can be twisted for malevolent purposes.

Origin of 'evil'

Main points about word origin

The word 'evil' comes from the Old English 'ydel,' which means 'unproductive' or 'worthless'.
In languages like Latin, 'malum' also means 'evil' and is the root for words like 'malicious'.

The word 'evil' has its roots in Old English, derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'ubilaz'. It has been used throughout history in religious, philosophical, and literary contexts to describe the concept of profound immorality and harm. The idea of evil has been a central theme in many cultures and belief systems, often representing the struggle between good and evil forces.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,832, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1829 satisfactory
1830 identity
1831 executive
1832 evil
1833 constructed
1834 background
1835 informed
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