Evilly: meaning, definitions and examples

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evilly

[ˈiːvɪli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a wicked or harmful manner

In a manner that is morally wrong or harmful, typically in a cruel or malicious way. It is often used to describe actions or behavior that is intentionally malevolent or harmful.

Synonyms

cruelly, malevolently, maliciously, sadistically, wickedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
evilly	Used to describe an action that is done in an immoral or wicked manner. This word is not commonly used in modern English. She looked at him evilly before carrying out her plan. He smiled evilly, enjoying the chaos he caused.
maliciously	Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe actions intended to harm others or their property. It implies a deliberate intention to cause damage. The hacker maliciously deleted all the files. He spread rumors maliciously to ruin her reputation.
wickedly	Can mean doing something in a way that is evil or morally wrong, but may also be used in a playful or exaggerated sense. Context determines the intensity of the word. He plotted wickedly against his enemies. She smiled wickedly, enjoying her harmless prank.
cruelly	Typically used when referring to an action that causes pain or suffering to others. It carries a strong negative connotation and often implies deliberate harm. The villain cruelly tortured the prisoners. She spoke cruelly, cutting him with her words.
sadistically	Describes actions where someone derives pleasure from causing pain and suffering to others. Strongly negative and often used to describe extreme cruelty. He laughed sadistically as he inflicted pain. The sadistic leader tortured his prisoners without remorse.
malevolently	Used to describe actions that are done with ill-will or a desire to cause harm. Often used to describe someone's intentions or looks. He stared malevolently at his rival. Her malevolent plans were finally revealed.

Examples of usage

She grinned evilly as she plotted her revenge.
The villain laughed evilly as he revealed his sinister plan.
He stared at her evilly, sending shivers down her spine.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

very unpleasant or morally wrong

Extremely unpleasant or morally wrong. It is used to describe something that is characterized by wickedness, cruelty, or harmful intent.

Synonyms

cruel, malevolent, malicious, sinister, wicked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
evilly	Used to describe actions or intentions that are intentionally harmful and immoral. Often conveys a strong negative connotation. She smiled evilly as she plotted her revenge
wicked	Used to describe someone or something that is morally wrong or evil. Can also be informally used in slang to mean 'cool' or 'awesome,' but the formal usage has a strong negative connotation. The wicked witch cast a spell on the villagers / That new video game is wicked!
malevolent	Describes a person or action that intentionally wishes harm or evil upon others. The word carries a negative connotation and is often used in more formal situations. The malevolent spirit in the story haunted the old house for years
sinister	Describes something that seems evil or harmful in a way that suggests something bad will happen. Often used in a suspenseful or dramatic context. There was a sinister shadow lurking in the alleyway
malicious	Describes someone or something that intends to do harm or show ill will. Often used to describe legal matters like 'malicious prosecution.' This term has a strong negative tone. He spread malicious rumors about his coworker
cruel	Typically refers to someone who causes physical or emotional pain or suffering on purpose. This term can describe people, actions, or behavior. The bully was cruel to the smaller kids, often making them cry

Examples of usage

The evilly twisted tree seemed to watch over the haunted graveyard.
Her evilly cunning plan was finally revealed.
The evilly glowing eyes in the darkness sent chills down their spines.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'evil' originated from Old English 'yfel', which means bad or wicked.
Adding 'ly' turns adjectives into adverbs, indicating how an action is performed, so 'evilly' describes doing something in a bad way.
In Middle English, 'evilish' was also used to describe sinful actions, which later evolved into terms like 'evilly'.

Psychology

People often associate evil actions with a lack of empathy, where individuals fail to understand the feelings of others.
Studies suggest that behaviors considered 'evilly' can stem from environmental factors, such as upbringing or social influences.
Moral psychology explores how our perceptions of good and evil shape our decisions and relationships with others.

Literature

Characters described as acting 'evilly' often serve as antagonists, pushing heroes to confront moral dilemmas.
Shakespeare often explored themes of evil through characters like Iago in 'Othello', demonstrating how treachery can destroy lives.
The use of the word in poetry adds a dramatic tone, emphasizing the contrast between good and evil forces.

Pop Culture

Villains in movies or games are frequently depicted as acting evilly, often dressed in a way that visually represents their malicious intent.
Writers and filmmakers use the portrayal of evil to critique societal issues, showing how 'evilly' motivated characters can represent real-life problems.
Popular horror media often explores evilly motivated characters, tapping into fears about humanity's dark nature.

Ethics

Philosophical discussions about evil often focus on whether actions can be inherently evil or if it's the intent behind them that matters.
Ethicists propose frameworks to understand moral actions, debating the nuances of 'evilly' done versus perceived wrongness in society.
Debates about 'evilly' motivated actions also relate to discussions on free will, accountability, and punishment in law.

Translations

Translations of the word "evilly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 malvadamente

🇮🇳 दुष्टतापूर्वक

🇩🇪 boshaft

🇮🇩 jahat

🇺🇦 злісно

🇵🇱 złośliwie

🇯🇵 邪悪に (jaaku ni)

🇫🇷 méchamment

🇪🇸 malvadamente

🇹🇷 kötü niyetle

🇰🇷 사악하게 (saakage)

🇸🇦 بخبث

🇨🇿 zle

🇸🇰 zlo

🇨🇳 邪恶地 (xié'è de)

🇸🇮 zlobno

🇮🇸 illilega

🇰🇿 зұлымдықпен

🇬🇪 ბოროტულად

🇦🇿 şər niyyətlə

🇲🇽 malvadamente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,521 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34518 immolated
34519 eventuated
34520 callused
34521 evilly
34522 annalist
34523 expostulate
34524 ageism
...