Sinister Meaning, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：threatening (sinister)

sinister 🔊

/ˈsɪnɪstər/

adj.

Something that gives you the feeling that something bad or evil might happen; it seems harmful or threatening.

threatening 🔊

➕

/ˈθrɛt(ə)nɪŋ/

adj.

Creating a feeling that something bad, harmful, or evil is about to happen.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'sinister' meaning 'left hand' — in ancient Rome, left side was considered unlucky.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a 'sin' that causes a 'sinister' chill — a wicked and scary threat.

📖 Example

The sinister figure standing in the shadowy corner of the empty parking lot made her quicken her pace. 🔊 The sinister figure standing in the shadowy corner of the empty parking lot made her quicken her pace.

🔗 Collocations

sinister plot – an evil or dangerous plan

sinister motive – a hidden, harmful intention

sinister atmosphere – an environment that feels threatening or ominous

🔄 Synonyms

ominous (adj.) – giving the impression that something bad will happen

menacing (adj.) – suggesting the presence of danger or threat

malevolent (adj.) – having or showing a wish to do evil to others

🚫 Antonyms

benign (adj.) – gentle and kindly, not harmful

auspicious (adj.) – conducive to success; favorable

innocuous (adj.) – not harmful or offensive

🌱 Derivatives

sinisterly (adv.) – in a manner that suggests evil or threat

sinisterness (n.) – the quality of being sinister

📖 Cultural Story

In ancient Roman augury, birds appearing on the left (sinister) were seen as bad omens, evolving the word's meaning to 'threatening' and 'evil'.