evil

/'i:vl/

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Explanation of the Word "Evil"

Definition: The word "evil" is an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it describes something that is very bad, harmful, or morally wrong. As a noun, it refers to the quality of being bad or harmful.

Examples:

1. Adjective: "The villain in the story had evil plans to take over the world."
2. Noun: "Many stories explore the nature of evil and how it affects people."

Advanced Usage:

• "Evil" can be used in philosophical or religious discussions regarding the nature of morality and the existence of badness in the world.
• In literature, "evil" often represents opposing forces to good, creating conflict in narratives.

Word Variants:

• Evilness (noun): The quality of being evil.

  • Example: "The evilness of his actions shocked everyone."

• Evildoer (noun): A person who does evil things.

  • Example: "The evildoer was caught by the police."

Different Meanings:

• "Evil" can sometimes refer to something that is unpleasant or harmful, even if it is not morally wrong. For example, "The weather had an evil chill that made everyone shiver."

Synonyms:

• Malevolent
• Wicked
• Sinister
• Malicious
• Nefarious
• Bad

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• The evil eye: A look that is believed to cause harm or bad luck to someone.

  • Example: "She believed that the old woman had given her the evil eye."

• Fight fire with fire: To respond to an attack or harmful action with similar tactics, often implying a use of "evil" means to combat "evil".

  • Example: "In the movie, the hero had to fight fire with fire to defeat the evil organization."

Summary:

"Evil" is a versatile word that describes badness and harm, both in actions and in the nature of people. It is often used in literature, moral discussions, and everyday conversations to refer to things that are morally wrong or harmful.

Academic

Adjective

1. having or exerting a malignant influence
   • malevolent stars
   • a malefic force
2. having the nature of vice
3. morally bad or wrong
   • evil purposes
   • an evil influence
   • evil deeds

Noun

1. the quality of being morally wrong in principle or practice
   • attempts to explain the origin of evil in the world
2. that which causes harm or destruction or misfortune; the good is oft interred with their bones"- Shakespeare
   • the evil that men do lives after them
3. morally objectionable behavior

Synonyms

• malefic
• malevolent
• malign
• vicious
• evilness
• immorality
• wickedness
• iniquity