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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.

spitefully

/ˈspaɪtfəli/ /ˈspaɪtfəli/

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.

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