Reading Theme:
Evil Definition, Meaning & Usage Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：morally wicked (evil)
evil
/ˈiːvəl/
adj./n.
used to describe someone or something that is morally very bad and enjoys harming others.
morally wicked
➕
/ˈmɔːrəli ˈwɪkɪd/
adj./n.
Describes a person or action that is deliberately cruel, harmful, or immoral, often with enjoyment in causing suffering.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'yfel', related to German 'übel', meaning morally bad or harmful.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a villain with a devious grin, laughing as they cause harm — that's 'evil' in action.
📖 Example
In the movie, the evil character always laughs when he causes trouble for others.
In the movie, the evil character always laughs when he causes trouble for others.
🔗 Collocations
evil deed – a morally bad act
evil intention – a harmful plan or purpose
evil influence – a bad effect on someone's behavior or thinking
🔄 Synonyms
wicked (adj.) – morally bad and deliberately harmful or cruel
malevolent (adj.) – having or showing a wish to do evil to others
vicious (adj.) – deliberately cruel or violent
🚫 Antonyms
good (adj.) – morally right and kind
virtuous (adj.) – having high moral standards
benevolent (adj.) – showing kindness and goodwill
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'evil' traces back to Proto-Germanic *ubilaz, with cognates in many Germanic languages. In medieval English morality plays, 'Evil' was personified as a tempter, reinforcing its strong moral weight in Western culture.
Meaning 2：wickedness (evil)
evil
/ˈiːvəl/
adj./n.
refers to very bad things that happen or the bad influence they have.
wickedness
➕
/ˈwɪkɪdnəs/
adj./n.
Refers to morally bad forces, events, or influences that cause harm, suffering, or corruption in the world.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The ancient story teaches us that kindness will always overcome evil in the end.
The ancient story teaches us that kindness will always overcome evil in the end.
🔗 Collocations
battle against evil – a fight against morally bad forces
forces of evil – the collective bad powers in a conflict
root of evil – the basic cause of bad things
🔄 Synonyms
badness (n.) – the quality of being unpleasant or morally wrong
malevolence (n.) – the desire to cause harm to others
sin (n.) – an immoral act considered to be against divine law
🚫 Antonyms
goodness (n.) – the quality of being morally good
virtue (n.) – moral excellence and righteousness
benevolence (n.) – generosity and kindness
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