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Pernicious: meaning, definitions and examples

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pernicious

 

[ pəˈnɪʃəs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way. Extremely destructive or harmful.

Synonyms

damaging, destructive, harmful

Examples of usage

  • It's important to be aware of the pernicious effects of certain habits on our health.
  • The pernicious behavior of the dictator led to the suffering of many people.
  • The pernicious influence of social media can sometimes be underestimated.
Context #2 | Adjective

substance

Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way. Toxic or deadly.

Synonyms

deadly, poisonous, toxic

Examples of usage

  • The pernicious chemical in the water supply caused serious health issues.
  • Exposure to the pernicious substance led to the death of several animals.

Translations

Translations of the word "pernicious" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pernicioso

🇮🇳 विनाशकारी

🇩🇪 schädlich

🇮🇩 berbahaya

🇺🇦 шкідливий

🇵🇱 szkodliwy

🇯🇵 有害な

🇫🇷 pernicieux

🇪🇸 pernicioso

🇹🇷 zararlı

🇰🇷 유해한

🇸🇦 ضار

🇨🇿 zhoubný

🇸🇰 zlomyseľný

🇨🇳 有害的

🇸🇮 škodljiv

🇮🇸 skaðlegur

🇰🇿 зиянды

🇬🇪 მავნე

🇦🇿 zərərlidir

🇲🇽 pernicioso

Word origin

The word 'pernicious' originated from the Latin word 'perniciosus', which means destructive. It has been used in English since the late 14th century. Over the centuries, 'pernicious' has maintained its meaning of causing harm or destruction, often in a subtle or gradual manner. The word has been commonly used in literature and academic texts to describe something that is extremely harmful or destructive.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,263, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.