Infernal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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infernal
[ɪnˈfɜːrnəl ]
Definitions
hellish
Relating to or characteristic of hell or the underworld. Extremely unpleasant or bad.
Synonyms
diabolical, fiendish, hellish.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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infernal |
Often used to describe something extremely unpleasant or annoying, and can also refer to hell or the underworld in a more general, dramatic sense.
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hellish |
Used to describe something extremely unpleasant, harsh, or difficult, evoking the suffering or conditions of hell.
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diabolical |
Usually refers to something evil or wicked, often with a sense of cleverness or cunning involved. It has strong negative connotations.
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fiendish |
Describes something very evil or cruel, often involving extreme malice or wicked intelligence. It has a strong negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The infernal heat made it impossible to sleep at night.
- She couldn't stand the infernal noise coming from the construction site.
annoying
Used to emphasize how annoying or frustrating something is.
Synonyms
exasperating, irritating, vexing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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infernal |
Use in contexts that imply something causing great trouble or torment, often with a sense of being hellish or extremely unpleasant. It is a strong, dramatic word and should be used sparingly.
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irritating |
Applies to situations where something causes mild to moderate annoyance. It is less intense than 'exasperating' and 'infernal'.
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exasperating |
Best used when describing something that causes intense annoyance or frustration, often because it is persistent or difficult to deal with.
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vexing |
Refers to something that is difficult and troubling, often causing irritation and perplexity in the process. It has a slightly formal tone.
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Examples of usage
- I can't find my keys, it's infernal!
- The infernal traffic jam caused me to be late for work.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'infernal'
The word 'infernal' originated from the Latin word 'infernalis', which means 'of hell'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe things or beings associated with hell or the underworld. Over time, 'infernal' has also come to be used more broadly to convey extreme unpleasantness or annoyance.
See also: infer, inferable, inference, inferior, inferno, inferrable, inferred.