insidious — proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪnˈsɪdiəs/
Korean meaning: 서서히 진행되어 해롭거나 위험한
Korean pronunciation: 인**시**디어스
Example Sentences
- Social media addiction has an insidious effect - you don't realize you're hooked until you've already lost 5 hours scrolling.
- The insidious nature of inflation means prices rise so gradually that consumers barely notice until their wallets are empty.
- Procrastination is insidious - it whispers 'just five more minutes' until suddenly it's 3 AM and your assignment is due tomorrow.
insidious
ADJECTIVE//ɪnˈsɪdiəs//
proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects
An insidious gas leak threatens the unsuspecting family in their kitchen
Whispering 'In said I us' while secretly poisoning - insidiously harmful!
The fastidious worker, betrayed by the perfidious lurker
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'insidiosus', derived from 'insidiae' meaning 'ambush' or 'snare', which comes from 'insidere' (to sit in or lie in wait for). The word entered English in the 16th century to describe something that operates in a hidden, treacherous manner.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Social media addiction has an insidious effect - you don't realize you're hooked until you've already lost 5 hours scrolling.”
“The insidious nature of inflation means prices rise so gradually that consumers barely notice until their wallets are empty.”
“Procrastination is insidious - it whispers 'just five more minutes' until suddenly it's 3 AM and your assignment is due tomorrow.”
“The company's insidious marketing tactics gradually changed consumer behavior without them realizing it.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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