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Hateful: meaning, definitions and examples

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hateful

[หˆheษชtfสŠl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Feeling or showing intense or passionate dislike towards someone or something.

Synonyms

hostile, malicious, spiteful, venomous, vindictive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hateful

Best used to describe someone or something that evokes strong feelings of dislike or hatred. Often used in emotional or intense situations.

  • Her hateful remarks made everyone uncomfortable.
  • He couldn't stand the hateful atmosphere in the office.
malicious

Implies the intention to cause harm or pain out of spite. Frequently used in reference to actions or behaviors.

  • The hacker's malicious attack compromised the company's data.
  • She spread malicious rumors about her coworker.
spiteful

Denotes actions or words intended to hurt someone out of resentment or bitterness. Often used in personal conflicts or when describing petty behavior.

  • His spiteful comments during the meeting were uncalled for.
  • She did it just to be spiteful and ruin his day.
venomous

Used metaphorically to describe speech or behavior that is extremely hurtful or filled with intense anger. Can also literally describe poisonous animals.

  • Her words were as venomous as a snake's bite.
  • They exchanged venomous glances after the argument.
vindictive

Describes someone who seeks revenge or aims to cause pain because of perceived wrongs. Has a strong negative connotation.

  • His vindictive nature made him difficult to work with.
  • She vowed to take vindictive action against her rival.
hostile

Used to describe someone or something that is aggressively unfriendly or antagonistic. Commonly used in situations involving conflict or opposition.

  • The meeting turned hostile when the budget cuts were mentioned.
  • He gave her a hostile look as she entered the room.

Examples of usage

  • She shot him a hateful look.
  • He spewed hateful words towards his ex-wife.
  • The hateful comments on social media were disturbing.
  • The hateful speech incited violence in the crowd.
  • The two countries exchanged hateful rhetoric.
Context #2 | Adjective

characteristic

Evoking or deserving strong dislike or hatred.

Synonyms

abhorrent, abominable, despicable, detestable, repugnant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hateful

Used to describe something full of hate or extremely unpleasant.

  • Her hateful comments made everyone uncomfortable
  • The hateful attitude of the group was shocking
abhorrent

Used for something that causes disgust and is morally wrong.

  • His actions were abhorrent to everyone who knew him
  • The practice was considered abhorrent by the entire community
despicable

Used to describe something or someone that deserves hatred and contempt.

  • Cheating on the exam is a despicable act
  • They committed a despicable crime that shocked the nation
abominable

Used to describe something that is extremely bad or unpleasant in a more intense manner.

  • The abominable weather ruined our trip
  • His abominable behavior towards his colleagues was unacceptable
detestable

Used to describe something that is intensely disliked or loathed.

  • The detestable habit of lying must be addressed
  • She found his arrogance utterly detestable
repugnant

Used to describe something that is extremely distasteful or unacceptable, often with a moral tone.

  • The idea was repugnant to him
  • The repugnant smell made everyone nauseous

Examples of usage

  • The movie portrayed the villain as a hateful character.
  • Her actions were seen as hateful by many.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'hateful' comes from the Old English 'hatfule,' meaning full of hate.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'hatwaz,' which means 'to hate.'
  • The term has been used in English since at least the 14th century, showcasing its long-standing presence in the language.

Psychology

  • Hateful emotions can stem from feelings of fear, insecurity, or past trauma which can shape how individuals perceive others.
  • Research shows that expressing hate can actually be harmful to one's own mental health, potentially leading to increased anxiety and stress.
  • Understanding the causes of hateful feelings can play an important role in conflict resolution and promoting empathy.

Literature

  • Many classic works, such as Shakespeare's 'Othello,' explore themes of hatred and jealousy, revealing the darker side of human emotions.
  • In George Orwell's '1984,' the concept of hate is manipulated by the Party to control the populace and maintain power.
  • The portrayal of hateful characters often serves as a critique or reflection of societal issues, encouraging readers to reflect on real-world conflicts.

Pop Culture

  • Hate-themed songs, like 'Hate' by Plain White T's, explore personal struggles and relationships, bringing attention to emotional pain.
  • Movies often depict love-hate relationships that can lead to dramatic plot twists and intense character development.
  • The concept of online hate speech has led to discussions about social media regulation and the impact of hate in modern communication.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have varying expressions of hate; some may openly discuss these feelings, while others see it as taboo.
  • In some societies, hate can be directed at specific groups, leading to significant social issues and calls for tolerance and understanding.
  • Art and activism often respond to hate by promoting messages of love, unity, and understanding across diverse communities.

Translations

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Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,453, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.