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/
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
The insidious mold spread behind the walls for years before anyone noticed.
Whispering 'In said I us' while secretly poisoning - insidiously harmful!
The fastidious worker, betrayed by the perfidious lurker
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🎤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.
Breakdown
in- (in, into) + sedere (sit) + -ous (adjective suffix) = insidious (sitting in wait, proceeding by hidden means)
🎵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.”
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