Mean-Spirited

Pronunciation: /miːn-ˈspɪrɪtɪd/

Definitions of mean-spirited

adjective Mean-spirited is an adjective that describes someone who is unkind, malicious, or spiteful in their actions or behavior.

Example Sentences

A1 The mean-spirited bully made fun of the new student.

A2 She felt hurt by the mean-spirited comments about her appearance.

B1 The mean-spirited gossip spread quickly around the office.

B2 His mean-spirited behavior towards his colleagues caused tension in the workplace.

C1 The politician's mean-spirited remarks alienated many voters.

C2 The author's mean-spirited portrayal of the protagonist left a bitter taste in readers' mouths.

Examples of mean-spirited in a Sentence

formal The editorial criticized the mean-spirited remarks made by the politician.

informal I can't believe how mean-spirited some people can be.

slang That comment was so mean-spirited, it really hurt my feelings.

figurative Her actions were like a mean-spirited stab in the back.

Grammatical Forms of mean-spirited

• past tense: meant
• plural: mean-spirited people
• comparative: more mean-spirited
• superlative: most mean-spirited
• present tense: is mean-spirited
• future tense: will be mean-spirited
• perfect tense: has been mean-spirited
• continuous tense: is being mean-spirited
• singular: a mean-spirited person
• positive degree: mean-spirited
• infinitive: to be mean-spirited
• gerund: being mean-spirited
• participle: a mean-spirited individual

Origin and Evolution of mean-spirited

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'mean-spirited' originated from the combination of the word 'mean', meaning unkind or malicious, and 'spirited', meaning having a specified character or nature.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe someone who was unkind or malicious in character, the term 'mean-spirited' has evolved to encompass behavior that is petty, small-minded, or lacking in generosity.