Villainy: meaning, definitions and examples
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villainy
[ ˈvɪlənɪ ]
moral wrongdoing
Villainy refers to the actions or behavior of a villain, characterized by wickedness, immoral acts, and malevolent intentions. Such conduct is often seen in literature and film, where characters engage in schemes intended to harm others. Villainy can evoke feelings of fear, loathing, or even fascination from audiences. It often serves as a stark contrast to the hero's noble deeds, highlighting the classic struggle between good and evil. Thus, villainy plays a critical role in storytelling, shaping narratives and character arcs.
Synonyms
depravity, evilness, injustice, malice, wickedness
Examples of usage
- The villainy's ultimate plan was to take over the city.
- Many stories explore the depths of villainy through their antagonists.
- The hero brushed aside the remnants of villainy in the dark alley.
- In classic tales, the hero often confronts villainy in various forms.
Translations
Translations of the word "villainy" in other languages:
🇵🇹 vilania
🇮🇳 दुष्टता
🇩🇪 Schurkerei
🇮🇩 kejahatan
🇺🇦 злочинність
🇵🇱 nikczemność
🇯🇵 悪事
🇫🇷 méchanceté
🇪🇸 villanía
🇹🇷 kötülük
🇰🇷 악행
🇸🇦 شرير
🇨🇿 zlořád
🇸🇰 zločenie
🇨🇳 恶行
🇸🇮 hudobija
🇮🇸 illvirki
🇰🇿 зұлымдық
🇬🇪 ბოროტება
🇦🇿 şərəfsizlik
🇲🇽 villanía
Etymology
The word 'villainy' traces its origins back to the Old French word 'villain,' which originally referred to a peasant or farmhand. This term derived from the Latin 'villanus,' meaning 'farmhand' or 'serf,' which itself comes from 'villa,' meaning 'country house or farm.' Over time, 'villain' evolved to represent a character displaying immoral or malevolent traits, departing from its agrarian roots. The transition from a simple designation of social class to representing moral degradation occurred as societal perceptions shifted. By the Middle Ages, 'villainy' had become synonymous with wicked behavior in literature and drama, encapsulating the essence of treachery and malice. Thus, while the word originated in a context of social status, it evolved to denote a broader spectrum of moral wrongdoing, deeply embedded in the cultural narratives of good versus evil.