meanspirited

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Explanation of "Meanspirited"

Definition:
The word "meanspirited" is an adjective that describes someone who is unkind, cruel, or lacking in generosity. A meanspirited person often enjoys putting others down or is unwilling to help others, showing a lack of honor or morality.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "meanspirited" to describe actions, comments, or behaviors that are hurtful or petty.
• It often carries a strong negative connotation, so be careful when using it to describe someone in conversation or writing.

Example Sentences:

1. Basic Usage: "His meanspirited comments during the meeting made everyone feel uncomfortable."
2. Advanced Usage: "The politician's meanspirited approach to his opponents revealed his lack of integrity and respect."

Word Variants:

• Meanspiritedness (noun): The quality of being meanspirited. Example: "Her meanspiritedness was evident in the way she treated her colleagues."
• Meanspiritedly (adverb): In a meanspirited manner. Example: "He spoke meanspiritedly about his rivals."

Different Meanings:

While "meanspirited" primarily refers to unkindness and cruelty, it can also imply a lack of generosity or forgiveness in broader contexts.

Synonyms:

• Unkind
• Cruel
• Malicious
• Petty
• Stingy

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no direct idioms that include "meanspirited," you can express similar ideas with phrases such as: - "Throw someone under the bus" - To betray or harm someone for one's own advantage. - "Kick someone when they are down" - To hurt someone who is already in a difficult situation.

Summary:

"Meanspirited" is a strong adjective used to describe someone who is unkind or cruel, particularly in ways that lack honor or generosity. It can be used in various contexts, from everyday conversations to literature and political discussions.

Academic

Adjective

1. having or showing an ignoble lack of honor or morality
   • that liberal obedience without which your army would be a base rabble- Edmund Burke
   • taking a mean advantage
   • chok'd with ambition of the meaner sort- Shakespeare
   • something essentially vulgar and meanspirited in politics
2. lacking in magnanimity
   • it seems ungenerous to end this review of a splendid work of scholarship on a critical note- Times Litt. Sup.
   • a meanspirited man unwilling to forgive

Synonyms

• base
• mean
• ungenerous