Revengefully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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revengefully

[rɪˈvɛndʒfəli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a vengeful manner

In a manner that shows a desire to seek revenge or to harm someone in return for a perceived wrong.

Synonyms

retaliatory, spitefully, vindictively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
revengefully	This term is often used to describe actions or feelings driven by a desire to get back at someone for a perceived wrong. It carries a strong negative connotation. She plotted revengefully against those who wronged her. He acted revengefully, determined to make them pay for their betrayal.
vindictively	Used to describe actions driven by a strong desire to harm someone because of injustice they have caused. This word is intensely negative. She acted vindictively, seeking to ruin his reputation. He pursued legal action vindictively, hoping to see his rival suffer.
retaliatory	This word is typically used in more formal or legal contexts to refer to actions taken in response to another action, often in the context of conflicts or disputes. The term can be neutral or negative depending on the situation. The country launched a retaliatory strike in response to the attack. The company faced retaliatory measures after imposing sanctions.
spitefully	Describes actions or words meant to deliberately hurt or offend someone. This term always has a negative implication. She spitefully spread rumors about her colleague. He spoke spitefully to his former friend, intending to cause pain.

Examples of usage

He smiled revengefully as he carried out his plan.
She looked at him revengefully, her eyes filled with anger.
The character in the movie acted revengefully towards his enemies.
I could see the revengeful look in his eyes as he approached me.
The villain laughed revengefully as he revealed his evil plan.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Shakespeare's plays often depict characters acting revengefully, exploring the dark consequences of vengeance.
In Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Cask of Amontillado,' the protagonist seeks revenge against a wrongdoer, showcasing intense emotions tied to revenge.
Many classic revenge stories, like 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' highlight the psychological toll that revenge can have on individuals.

Psychology

Research suggests that revengeful feelings can provide a temporary sense of satisfaction, but often lead to long-term guilt.
Studies show that seeking revenge can cause stress and increase aggressive behaviors among individuals.
Psychologists note that people are motivated to seek revenge when they feel unfairly treated, highlighting our desire for justice.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'Kill Bill' and 'The Godfather' showcase revenge as a central theme, illustrating its powerful narrative drive.
Video games often feature revenge plots, allowing players to take on the role of a character seeking payback for past wrongs.
Songs like 'Back to You' by Selena Gomez express revengeful emotions through music, resonating with listeners experiencing betrayal.

History

Throughout history, many famous feuds stemmed from revengeful acts, such as the Hatfields and McCoys rivalry.
The concept of 'blood feuds' has been prominent in various cultures, where families seek vengeance for wrongs done to them.
The saying 'an eye for an eye' reflects ancient legal principles where revenge was viewed as a form of justice.

Origin of 'revengefully'

Main points about word origin

'Revenge' comes from the Latin word 'vindicare,' which means 'to claim' or 'to avenge.'
The suffix '-fully' indicates manner, transforming 'revenge' into an adverb describing the way of acting.
The word has been used in English since the late 14th century, deriving from both Old French and Latin influences.

The word 'revengefully' is derived from the word 'revenge', which has roots in Latin 'rependere' meaning 'to take vengeance for'. The concept of revenge has been a part of human history for centuries, with various cultures and societies having differing views on its morality and justification. The adverb 'revengefully' embodies the idea of seeking retribution or retaliation for a perceived wrong or harm.