Villain: meaning, definitions and examples
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villain
[ ˈvɪlən ]
evil character
A villain is a character in a story or play who opposes the hero. Villains are often depicted as evil, cruel, or wicked individuals who act in a malicious or immoral way to achieve their goals. They are typically the main source of conflict in a narrative.
Synonyms
antagonist, bad guy, villainous character.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
villain |
Use 'villain' when referring to a character in a story who is the main source of evil or conflict. It has a strong and traditional connotation of being wicked.
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antagonist |
Employ 'antagonist' when discussing a character who opposes the protagonist, regardless of moral standing. This term is more neutral and is often used in literary analysis.
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bad guy |
'Bad guy' is a colloquial term that is less formal and often used in everyday conversation, especially when talking about movies, TV shows, or casual situations.
|
villainous character |
'Villainous character' emphasizes the traits and behavior of the character. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts and adds a descriptive element to highlight the evil nature.
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Examples of usage
- The villain plotted to take over the kingdom.
- The villain's evil deeds knew no bounds.
person guilty of a crime
In real life, a villain can also refer to a person who is guilty of a crime or wrongdoing. This usage is often used to describe someone who has committed a serious offense or acted in a harmful or malicious manner.
Synonyms
criminal, offender, wrongdoer.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
villain |
Used mainly in stories, movies, or dramatic contexts to describe a character who is the main source of evil or conflict.
|
criminal |
Commonly used in legal and law enforcement contexts to describe someone who has committed a crime.
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wrongdoer |
Used more broadly and can refer to anyone who has done something morally or legally wrong. Often found in moral or ethical discussions.
|
offender |
Generally used in formal and legal contexts to refer to someone who has broken a law or rule, including minor infractions. It can have a neutral tone.
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Examples of usage
- The police apprehended the villain responsible for the robbery.
- He was exposed as the villain behind the fraudulent scheme.
Translations
Translations of the word "villain" in other languages:
🇵🇹 vilão
🇮🇳 खलनायक
🇩🇪 Bösewicht
🇮🇩 penjahat
🇺🇦 лиходій
🇵🇱 łotr
🇯🇵 悪役 (akuyaku)
🇫🇷 méchant
🇪🇸 villano
🇹🇷 kötü adam
🇰🇷 악당 (akdang)
🇸🇦 شرير
🇨🇿 padouch
🇸🇰 zločinec
🇨🇳 反派 (fǎnpài)
🇸🇮 zlobnež
🇮🇸 skúrkur
🇰🇿 қаскөй
🇬🇪 ბოროტმოქმედი
🇦🇿 pis adam
🇲🇽 villano
Etymology
The word 'villain' originated in the 14th century from the Old French 'vilain', meaning 'peasant' or 'inhabitant of a village'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to a character in a story who is evil or wicked. The concept of the villain has been a staple in literature and entertainment, often serving as a foil to the hero.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #12,527, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
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