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Vengeful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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vengeful

[หˆvษ›n(d)ส’fสŠl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling of

Feeling or showing a strong desire for revenge.

Synonyms

retaliatory, retributive, revengeful, vindictive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vengeful

Used to describe a person or action that is aimed at seeking revenge, often with intense passion or spite. Usually used in a serious or dramatic context.

  • She was vengeful, determined to make him pay for his betrayal.
  • The vengeful villain plotted its course of retaliation.
retributive

Often used in a moral, philosophical, or legal context to describe punishment that is deemed just and deserved as a response to wrongdoing.

  • Many believe that the punishment should be retributive and fit the crime.
  • Retributive justice aims to balance the scales for the harmed party.
revengeful

Similar to 'vengeful', but typically has a more negative connotation and implies a persistent desire for revenge, often accompanying a sense of bitterness.

  • His revengeful nature made it difficult for him to forgive and forget.
  • She harbored revengeful thoughts for years after the incident.
vindictive

Used to describe a person who has an intense desire to seek revenge, often over small matters or perceived slights, and is usually considered negative.

  • He was a vindictive man who never let go of a grudge.
  • Her vindictive actions caused significant distress to her coworkers.
retaliatory

Typically used in a formal or neutral context to describe actions taken in response to an injury or attack, often in a legal or strategic sense.

  • The country launched a retaliatory strike after the unexpected attack.
  • He faced retaliatory actions for his whistleblowing.

Examples of usage

  • He was vengeful towards those who had wronged him.
  • She had a vengeful look in her eyes.
  • The vengeful attitude of the character led to a tragic outcome.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feelings of vengefulness can be linked to unresolved anger and a desire for justice, although they often lead to a cycle of retaliation.
  • Research shows that holding onto vengeful feelings can harm oneโ€™s mental health, leading to ongoing feelings of bitterness and unhappiness.

Literature

  • Several classic stories, such as Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', explore themes of vengeance, showcasing the tragic consequences of seeking revenge.
  • In modern literature, many characters driven by vengeance find it ultimately leads to their own downfall, highlighting the destructive nature of these thoughts.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and TV shows, like 'Kill Bill', focus on vengeful protagonists who set out to right wrongs, often in violent ways.
  • Superhero stories frequently depict vengeful characters initially seeking revenge, but they often learn lessons about forgiveness and justice.

Mythology

  • In many mythological tales, deities often acted vengefully against humans, serving as warnings about the consequences of wrongdoing.
  • Greek mythology features characters like the Furies, who were believed to pursue and punish the wrongdoers, embodying the vengeful spirit.

Origin of 'vengeful'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'vengeful' comes from the Latin word 'vindicare', which means to 'vindicate' or 'to take revenge'.
  • It is formed from 'venge', which first appeared in English around the 13th century to describe seeking punishment for wrongdoing.

The word 'vengeful' originated from the Middle English word 'vengeaunce', which came from the Old French 'vengeance', ultimately derived from the Latin 'vindicare' meaning 'to avenge'. The concept of seeking revenge has been a part of human nature throughout history, often associated with feelings of anger, hurt, and the desire for justice.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,960, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.