nefarious

/ni'feəriəs/

Thân thiện

The detective uncovered the villain's nefarious plan in his secret lair.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Extremely wicked or villainous: Describes actions, plans, or people that are profoundly evil, criminal, or immoral.
   • Iniquitous, sinful: Characterized by grossly immoral or unjust behavior.

Usage

The adjective "nefarious" is a formal and strong word used to describe acts or intentions that are shockingly evil. It is often applied to schemes, plots, crimes, or organizations. It is not typically used for minor misdeeds.

Examples

• The dictator was known for his nefarious acts against his own people.
• The police uncovered a nefarious plot to sabotage the election.
• He was involved in nefarious activities such as smuggling and fraud.
• The company was accused of nefarious business practices to eliminate competition.

Advanced Usage

• "Nefarious purposes": Used to describe intentions that are deeply evil or criminal.
  • The stolen data was used for nefarious purposes.
• "Nefarious character": A literary or formal way to describe a profoundly villainous person.
  • In the novel, the antagonist is a nefarious character with no redeeming qualities.

Variants and Related Words

• Nefariously (adverb): In an extremely wicked manner.
  • The funds were nefariously obtained.
• Nefariousness (noun): The quality of being extremely wicked.
  • The nefariousness of the crime shocked the community.

Synonyms

• Villainous: Deliberately wicked or criminal.
• Heinous: Utterly odious or wicked.
• Diabolical: Belonging to or so evil as to recall the Devil.
• Iniquitous: Characterized by injustice or wickedness.
• Atrocious: Shockingly cruel or evil.

Antonyms

• Virtuous: Having high moral standards.
• Honorable: Deserving respect and admiration.
• Benevolent: Well-meaning and kindly.
• Righteous: Morally right or justifiable.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Nefarious deeds/activities": A common collocation for evil actions.
  • The history books detail his nefarious deeds.
• "Nefarious scheme/plot": A common collocation for an evil plan.
  • They hatched a nefarious scheme to overthrow the government.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. extremely wicked
   • nefarious schemes
   • a villainous plot
   • a villainous band of thieves

Từ đồng nghĩa

• villainous