Spitefully - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Spitefully means acting with a desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone, often out of petty malice or resentment. It describes behavior that is intentionally unkind or vengeful.
Definition:
Acting with malice or a desire to hurt someone out of petty resentment.
Synonyms:
maliciously, vindictively, nastily, bitterly
Part of Speech:
adverb
Antonyms:
kindly, benevolently
Common Collocations:
act spitefully, speak spitefully, behave spitefully
Derivatives:
spitefulness, spiteful
Usage Tips:
Use "spitefully" to describe actions driven by petty malice or resentment toward someone else.
Common Phrases:
cut off one's nose to spite one's face, in spite of oneself
Etymology:
Derived from "spite" (Middle English), meaning malice or ill-will, combined with the adverbial suffix "-fully."
Examples:
- 1. She spoke spitefully about her former friend after their argument.
- 2. He glared spitefully at his rival during the competition.
- 3. The child tore the drawing spitefully when told to share it.
- 4. She laughed spitefully at his misfortune instead of offering help.