Spiteful

Pronunciation: /ˈspaɪtfəl/

Definitions of spiteful

adjective showing or caused by malice; malicious

Example Sentences

A1 She was spiteful towards her classmates because they didn't invite her to the party.

A2 The child's spiteful behavior towards his siblings often resulted in arguments.

B1 Despite his spiteful comments, she chose to ignore him and focus on her work.

B2 Her spiteful remarks were meant to hurt his feelings, but he didn't let them affect him.

C1 The politician's spiteful actions towards his opponents only served to damage his own reputation.

C2 The CEO's spiteful decision to sabotage his competitor's business ultimately backfired on him.

Examples of spiteful in a Sentence

formal Her spiteful comments towards her colleague were completely uncalled for.

informal She can be so spiteful sometimes, always trying to put others down.

slang I can't stand that spiteful attitude of hers, it's so toxic.

figurative The storm raged on, as if Mother Nature herself was feeling spiteful towards the town below.

Grammatical Forms of spiteful

• past tense: spitefulled
• plural: spitefuls
• comparative: more spiteful
• superlative: most spiteful
• present tense: spite
• future tense: will spite
• perfect tense: have spited
• continuous tense: is spiting
• singular: spiteful
• positive degree: spiteful
• infinitive: to spite
• gerund: spiting
• participle: spited

Origin and Evolution of spiteful

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'spiteful' originated from the Old English word 'spytefull', which was derived from the Middle English word 'spitful' meaning full of spite or malice.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'spiteful' has retained its original meaning of being full of spite or malice, but has also come to be associated with being vindictive or malicious in a more general sense.