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Vengefully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vengefully

[ˈvɛn(d)ʒf(ʊ)li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in revenge

In a vengeful manner; with a desire for revenge or retribution.

Synonyms

reprisal, retaliatory, retributive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vengefully

Used when someone is motivated by a strong desire to harm someone in return for a perceived wrongdoing. It often indicates a personal or emotional drive.

  • She acted vengefully after discovering the betrayal.
  • He plotted vengefully against his rivals.
retaliatory

Used generally in legal or formal contexts to describe actions taken in response to a previous offense. These actions are often systematic or official.

  • The company took retaliatory measures after the lawsuit.
  • Retaliatory tariffs were imposed on imported goods.
retributive

Usually used in the context of justice or punishment, where actions are taken to distribute consequences that are deemed fair or deserved.

  • The court delivered a retributive sentence for the crime.
  • The community demanded retributive actions for the corruption scandal.
reprisal

Typically used in a formal or military setting when referring to acts of retaliation or counterattack, often by one state against another.

  • The country launched a reprisal attack after the breach of their borders.
  • Fear of reprisal kept many citizens from speaking out.

Examples of usage

  • She looked at him vengefully, her eyes filled with anger.
  • He acted vengefully towards those who had wronged him.
Context #2 | Adjective

characterized by a desire for revenge

Feeling or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge.

Synonyms

avenging, retributive, vengeant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vengefully

Used to describe actions or emotions driven by a strong desire for revenge, usually with negative connotations. Often implies a sense of personal bitterness or spite.

  • She glared at him vengefully, plotting her next move.
  • He acted vengefully, making sure his rival suffered.
vengeant

An archaic or less common term, mostly used in literary or poetic contexts to describe someone or something that embodies a spirit of vengeance.

  • In the tale, the vengeant spirit haunted those who wronged her.
  • The vengeant knight sought recompense for his family's honor.
avenging

Typically used in contexts involving the act of seeking justice or retribution for a wrong, often in a more formal or dramatic setting. It can imply a righteous or justified action.

  • He spent years avenging his brother's death.
  • The hero is avenging the wrongs done to his people.
retributive

Formal term often used in discussions about justice systems or moral philosophy, focusing on the concept of deserved punishment instead of personal vendetta.

  • The legal system should be retributive and fair.
  • She believed in retributive justice, where punishment fits the crime.

Examples of usage

  • His vengeful attitude towards his enemies was well-known.
  • She was vengeful towards anyone who crossed her.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Vengeful characters often drive plots in classic literature, highlighting themes of justice and moral conflict.
  • In Shakespearean tragedies, characters like Hamlet often act vengefully, seeking to right wrongs, which complicates their moral standing.
  • In modern novels and films, the vengeful archetype is frequently depicted as both a hero and a villain, raising questions about morality.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that holding onto vengeful thoughts can lead to increased anxiety and decreased happiness.
  • The desire for revenge activates the brain's reward system, making it feel gratifying despite potential long-term negative effects.
  • Psychologists note that letting go of vengeful feelings can lead to better emotional health and improved relationships.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Kill Bill' explore vengeful themes, portraying a protagonist on a quest for revenge against those who wronged her.
  • Many video games incorporate vengeful narratives, where players seek retribution against enemies for past grievances.
  • In popular songs, themes of revenge and vengefulness often resonate, capturing the intense emotions associated with betrayal.

Origin of 'vengefully'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Old French word 'venge', which means to take vengeance or retaliate.
  • It can be traced back to the Latin root 'vindicare', which means 'to claim or to avenge'.
  • The combination of 'venge' and the suffix '-ful' indicates being full of revengeful feelings.

The word 'vengefully' originates from the Middle English word 'vengefully'. It combines the root 'venge' meaning revenge with the suffix '-ful' meaning full of. The concept of seeking revenge has been a part of human nature throughout history, with various cultures and societies having different views on the act of vengeance.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,237, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.