Vengefully: meaning, definitions and examples

🔪

Add to dictionary

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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "vengefully" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vingativamente

🇮🇳 बदले की भावना से

🇩🇪 rachsüchtig

🇮🇩 dengan dendam

🇺🇦 мстиво

🇵🇱 mściwie

🇯🇵 復讐心を持って

🇫🇷 de manière vengeresse

🇪🇸 vengativamente

🇹🇷 intikamcı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 복수심에 불타서

🇸🇦 بشكل انتقامي

🇨🇿 pomstychtivě

🇸🇰 pomstychtivo

🇨🇳 复仇地

🇸🇮 maščevalno

🇮🇸 hefndarlaust

🇰🇿 кекшілдікпен

🇬🇪 შურისძიებით

🇦🇿 intiqamlı

🇲🇽 vengativamente

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.

...
40234 enmeshing
40235 bilingually
40236 sackbut
40237 vengefully
40238 auscultated
40239 befog
40240 macaroon
...