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Villainous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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villainous

[ˈvɪlənəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a character

Extremely wicked or evil. Villainous characters are often the antagonists in movies and books, causing trouble and harm to the protagonists.

Synonyms

evil, malevolent, wicked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
villainous

Used to describe someone or something deeply unethical and capable of committing criminal acts. Often used in literature, film, and stories.

  • The villainous character in the novel plotted to take over the kingdom
wicked

Indicates moral wrongness and often references playful or mischievous behavior as well as truly harmful actions. Commonly found in casual speech or fairy tales.

  • The wicked stepmother treated Cinderella horribly
evil

Refers to profound immorality and wickedness, often related to actions that cause serious harm or suffering. Can be used in a wide range of contexts, including religious and philosophical discussions.

  • The evil dictator oppressed his people for decades
malevolent

Describes someone or something with a desire to cause harm or do evil. Often suggests intentional harm or ill will.

  • The malevolent witch cast a spell to curse the town

Examples of usage

  • The villainous character plotted to overthrow the king and seize control of the kingdom.
  • Her villainous actions left a trail of destruction in their wake.
  • The villainous motives behind his actions were finally revealed in the shocking twist at the end of the movie.

Translations

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

Origin of 'villainous'

The word 'villainous' originated from the Old French word 'vilain' meaning 'peasant, serf, or base person'. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe someone who is extremely wicked or evil. The concept of villains has been a common theme in literature and storytelling throughout history, often serving as foils to the heroes or protagonists.

See also: villainize.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,955, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.