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Wickedness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wickedness

[ˈwɪkɪdnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

evil behavior

Wickedness refers to the quality of being morally wrong or evil. It is the state of being wicked, characterized by a strong tendency to do harm or commit immoral acts. Wickedness is often associated with malicious intent and a disregard for ethical principles.

Synonyms

evil, immorality, sinfulness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wickedness

Wickedness is often used in a general sense to describe actions, thoughts, or intentions that are deeply wrong or immoral. It may imply a certain degree of malice or spite.

  • The villain's wickedness knew no bounds
  • The wickedness in his heart was evident in his cruel actions
evil

Evil is typically used to describe something profoundly immoral and malevolent. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often associated with significant harm or suffering.

  • The dictator's reign was marked by deeds of pure evil
  • That haunted house has an aura of evil about it
immorality

Immorality refers more broadly to actions or behaviors that go against moral or ethical standards. It may not necessarily imply malice, but rather a breach of accepted moral codes.

  • The politician was scandalized for his immorality
  • Her actions were condemned for their immorality
sinfulness

Sinfulness is often used in religious or spiritual contexts to describe behavior that violates the laws or expectations of a particular faith. It carries a spiritual or doctrinal weight.

  • The preacher spoke about the sinfulness of greed
  • He confessed his sinfulness to the priest

Examples of usage

  • The wickedness of the villain knew no bounds as he plotted to destroy the city.
  • She was shocked by the wickedness of the crime committed against an innocent child.
  • His wickedness was evident in the cruel way he treated those around him.
Context #2 | Noun

naughtiness

Wickedness can also refer to mischievous or naughty behavior, especially in a playful or lighthearted context. It is often used to describe behavior that is cheeky or rebellious, but not necessarily harmful or evil.

Synonyms

mischievousness, naughtiness, playfulness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wickedness

Use when describing actions or behavior that are morally wrong or evil. This word has a strong negative connotation.

  • The wickedness of the villain knew no bounds.
  • She was horrified by the wickedness of the crime.
mischievousness

Use when describing playful behavior that might cause trouble but is not intended to harm. This word has a light-hearted and often affectionate connotation.

  • His mischievousness often got him into funny situations.
  • She had a look of mischievousness in her eyes before playing the prank.
naughtiness

Use when describing behavior that is mildly bad, often used for children. It can have both a negative and a slightly endearing connotation, depending on the context.

  • The child's naughtiness was evident in his reluctance to obey his parents.
  • Her naughtiness was forgivable because she was only trying to have fun.
playfulness

Use when describing light-hearted, fun, and joyful behavior. This word carries a purely positive connotation and is often used in friendly or affectionate contexts.

  • His playfulness made him a favorite among his friends.
  • The puppy's playfulness brought smiles to everyone's faces.

Examples of usage

  • The children giggled at their own wickedness as they played pranks on their teacher.
  • There was a hint of wickedness in her smile as she teased him affectionately.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters like Lady Macbeth embody wickedness through ambition and manipulation.
  • Classic literature often portrays wickedness as a central theme, with protagonists facing moral dilemmas that determine their fate.

Religion

  • Many religious texts depict wickedness as opposing divine law, often depicting it as leading to punishment or suffering.
  • In various belief systems, wickedness is frequently tied to the moral choices humans make, impacting their afterlife.

Psychology

  • Psychology examines wickedness through concepts like moral reasoning, exploring how different cultures define good and evil.
  • Studies show that people perceive wickedness differently based on context, such as motivations behind a person's actions.

Pop Culture

  • Films often romanticize wicked characters, presenting them as complex figures that challenge traditional notions of good and evil.
  • In modern media, the term has diversified, sometimes being used ironically to describe playful or mischievous behavior rather than true malevolence.

Origin of 'wickedness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'wicca,' meaning 'sorcerer,' implying a connection to dark or evil practices.
  • In Middle English, 'wicked' evolved to refer to morally wrong actions, showing how the meaning shifted over time.

The word 'wickedness' has Old English origins, derived from the word 'wicca' meaning wicked. Over time, its meaning has evolved to encompass a broader range of immoral or mischievous behavior. The concept of wickedness has been explored in various literary works and religious texts, often as a theme to highlight the battle between good and evil.

See also: wickedly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,166, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.