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vindictivehaving 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.

Dick's vindictive victory cry - revenge-fueled and relentless!
🧠 Mnemonic

Dick's vindictive victory cry - revenge-fueled and relentless!

Being vindictive gets predictive and addictive!
🎵 Rhyme

Being vindictive gets predictive and addictive!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤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

predictiverestrictiveaddictive
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

Synonyms

vengefulspitefulmaliciousrevengefulretaliatory

Antonyms

forgivingmercifulbenevolent

Related

vindicatevengeancerevengeretaliatespite

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