Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Spitefulness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ 
Add to dictionary

spitefulness

[หˆspaษชtfษ™lnษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

feeling of

The feeling of spitefulness refers to the desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone deliberately. It is characterized by a sense of malice or ill will towards another person.

Synonyms

malice, spite, spiteful behavior, vindictiveness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
spitefulness

Use this word to describe a person's habitual tendency to be mean and seek revenge without any particular reason.

  • Her spitefulness made it difficult for her to keep friends.
  • The spitefulness in his actions was evident to everyone around.
malice

This term is used to describe a desire to inflict harm or suffering on someone out of deep-seated ill will. It is often used in legal contexts.

  • She acted out of pure malice, wanting to see him fail.
  • The crime was committed with malice aforethought.
spite

This word is usually used to indicate an action done with the intention of annoying or hurting someone, often perceived as petty.

  • He threw away her flowers out of spite.
  • In a fit of spite, she refused to go to his party.
vindictiveness

This word describes a strong and persistent desire for revenge.

  • His vindictiveness knew no bounds after the betrayal.
  • She couldn't help her vindictiveness and sought to ruin his reputation.
spiteful behavior

This phrase refers to recurring actions that are deliberately meant to hurt or annoy someone.

  • Their spiteful behavior makes the work environment very toxic.
  • Sara's spiteful behavior towards her siblings caused constant conflicts.

Examples of usage

  • She couldn't help but feel the spitefulness in his words.
  • Her actions were driven by spitefulness rather than genuine concern.
  • I could sense the spitefulness in her tone as she spoke.
  • The spitefulness in his eyes was unmistakable.
  • The spitefulness of her actions left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research suggests that spitefulness can be linked to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem, where a person feels better by putting others down.
  • Studies have shown that spiteful behavior can also be a way for individuals to regain control or influence in situations where they feel powerless.
  • The phenomenon of 'passive-aggressive' behavior often includes elements of spitefulness, where indirect hostility can emerge instead of direct confrontation.

Literature

  • Spitefulness is a common theme in classic literary works, such as Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' where revenge and malice drive characters' actions.
  • Modern novels often explore the psychological underpinnings of spitefulness, illustrating how it can lead to tragic outcomes in relationships.
  • In children's literature, spite might manifest as characters seeking revenge over misunderstandings, teaching lessons on kindness and empathy.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often depict spiteful characters, like antagonists who act out of jealousy or revenge, creating drama and tension in the story.
  • Songs have been written about spitefulness, showcasing how pain can inspire creative expression in response to betrayal.
  • Social media sometimes amplifies spiteful behavior, where people may publicly air grievances or engage in online feuds.

Philosophy

  • Philosophical discussions around spitefulness often involve the nature of human emotions and moral responsibility for oneโ€™s actions.
  • Some thinkers argue that spitefulness can indicate a lack of empathy, raising questions about human connections and the capacity for forgiveness.
  • Debates in ethics consider whether feelings of spite can ever be justified, especially when stemming from perceived injustices.

Origin of 'spitefulness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'spite' comes from the Latin 'spiritus', meaning 'breath' or 'spirit,' which later evolved to reflect a sense of malice.
  • Interestingly, 'spitefulness' became popular in the English language in the 14th century, showing how long people have been feeling and acting out in this way.
  • The suffix '-fulness' indicates the quality of having or being full of, so 'spitefulness' literally means to be full of spite.

The word 'spitefulness' originated from the Middle English word 'spitful' which meant 'full of spite'. The term 'spite' itself comes from Old English 'spฤซt', meaning 'ill will' or 'hatred'. Over time, 'spitefulness' has come to represent the emotion of wanting to harm someone out of malice.

See also: despite, spiteful, spitefully.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,421, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.