Insidious

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsɪdiəs/

Definitions of insidious

adjective proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects

Example Sentences

A1 The insidious spider crawled slowly across the floor.

A2 The insidious plan was finally revealed by the detective.

B1 The insidious nature of the disease made it difficult to detect early on.

B2 The insidious influence of social media can be seen in the behavior of young people.

C1 The insidious propaganda campaign was designed to manipulate public opinion.

C2 The insidious corruption within the government was exposed by investigative journalists.

Examples of insidious in a Sentence

formal The insidious nature of the disease made it difficult to detect in its early stages.

informal The insidious rumors spread quickly throughout the small town.

slang I can't believe she's being so insidious about the whole situation.

figurative The insidious web of lies eventually unraveled, revealing the truth.

Grammatical Forms of insidious

• past tense: insidiously
• plural: insidious
• comparative: more insidious
• superlative: most insidious
• present tense: insidiously
• future tense: will be insidious
• perfect tense: has been insidious
• continuous tense: is being insidious
• singular: insidious
• positive degree: insidious
• infinitive: to be insidious
• gerund: being insidious
• participle: insidious

Origin and Evolution of insidious

First Known Use: 1616 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'insidious' originated from the Latin word 'insidiosus' which means cunning or deceitful.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'insidious' has retained its original meaning of deceitful or treacherous, but has also come to be associated with something that is gradual and harmful, often in a subtle or unnoticed way.