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vindictive — having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge

Pronunciation (IPA): /vɪnˈdɪktɪv/

Example Sentences

  • My vindictive neighbor keeps reporting my dog for barking at 3 PM
  • The vindictive ex-employee leaked company secrets to competitors
  • She wrote a vindictive review because the restaurant ran out of her favorite dessert

vindictive

ADJECTIVE

[/vɪnˈdɪktɪv/]

having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge

He lost the case — and her vindictive smile said she never wanted justice, just this.
💡 Concept

He lost the case — and her vindictive smile said she never wanted justice, just this.

VINDICT(revenge) + IVE(nature) — completely consumed by a dark nature(IVE) of VINDICT(revenge), the villain launched a secret, vindictive attack.
🧠 Mnemonic

VINDICT(revenge) + IVE(nature) — completely consumed by a dark nature(IVE) of VINDICT(revenge), the villain launched a secret, vindictive attack.

While the video game was highly addictive, the angry loser's violent reaction was purely vindictive.
🎵 Rhyme

While the video game was highly addictive, the angry loser's violent reaction was purely vindictive.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/vɪnˈdɪktɪv/
🇬🇧 UK/vɪnˈdɪktɪv/

🌳Etymology

Rootvindic-
Suffix--ive

Origin

From Latin 'vindicta' meaning revenge or vengeance, combined with the adjective-forming suffix '-ive'. The Latin root is related to 'vindicare' meaning to claim or avenge.

Breakdown

vindic- (from Latin vindicta, revenge) + -ive (adjective suffix meaning having the quality of) = vindictive

🎵Rhyme

predictive
restrictive
addictive

🔗Collocations

vindictive behavior
vindictive person
vindictive attack
vindictive spirit
vindictive nature
vindictive ex-partner

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My vindictive neighbor keeps reporting my dog for barking at 3 PM”

“The vindictive ex-employee leaked company secrets to competitors”

😄 Fun example

“She wrote a vindictive review because the restaurant ran out of her favorite dessert”

“His vindictive remarks during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable”

📚Related Words

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