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Insidiously: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆ 
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insidiously

 

[ ษชnหˆsษชd.ษช.ษ™s.li ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

manner of action

Insidiously refers to actions that proceed in a gradual, subtle way but with harmful effects. This term is often used to describe something that appears harmless at first but eventually leads to negative consequences. It implies an underhanded or deceitful approach. The insidious nature of certain diseases or tactics can make them particularly dangerous as they can go unnoticed until significant damage has been done.

Synonyms

cunningly, deceitfully, sneakily.

Examples of usage

  • The insidiously spread misinformation misled the public.
  • He dealt with insidiously creeping doubts about his decision.
  • The insidiously introduced changes went unnoticed for months.
  • Her insidiously charming personality masked her true intentions.

Translations

Translations of the word "insidiously" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น insidiosamente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค›เคฒเคชเฅ‚เคฐเฅเคตเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช heimtรผckisch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ secara licik

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดัั‚ัƒะฟะฝะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ podstฤ™pnie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้™ฐ้™บใซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท insidieusement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ insidiosamente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sinsi bir ลŸekilde

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ตํ™œํ•˜๊ฒŒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุดูƒู„ ุฎุจูŠุซ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zรกkeล™nฤ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zรกkerne

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้˜ด้™ฉๅœฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zlohotno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hryรฐjuverkalega

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐัั‹ั€ั‹ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒกแƒแƒ›แƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sinsi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ insidiosamente

Etymology

The word 'insidiously' comes from the Latin 'insidiosus,' meaning 'deceitful' or 'tending to entrap.' This Latin word is derived from 'insidiae' which means 'ambush' or 'plot.' The term made its way into the English language in the early 19th century. It reflects a behavior or action that is harmful but often cloaked in a guise of innocence or benevolence. Over time, 'insidiously' has been increasingly applied in various fields, including health, psychology, and social commentary, to describe phenomena that damage subtly but effectively. Its usage highlights the dangers of underestimation when faced with seemingly benign situations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,992, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.