ác độc
Definition
- Adjective:
- Cruel, malicious, wicked: Describes a person, action, or nature that intentionally causes harm, suffering, or shows a complete lack of kindness and mercy. It implies a deliberate and often vicious intent.
- Vicious, malevolent: Conveys a sense of deep-seated evil or ill will.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Lời nói của hắn thật ác độc. (His words were truly malicious.)
- Bà ta có một trái tim ác độc. (She has a wicked heart.)
- Hành động ác độc đó không thể tha thứ. (That cruel action is unforgivable.)
Advanced Usage
- The word ác độc is often used to describe not just actions but also inherent character traits, plans, or schemes. It carries a stronger moral condemnation than simply being mean or unkind.
- Âm mưu ác độc của kẻ phản bội. (The vicious plot of the traitor.)
Variants and Related Words
Độc ác (adj): This is a direct synonym with the same word order reversed, meaning cruel, wicked. The meanings are virtually identical.
- Kẻ độc ác đó đã bị bắt. (That cruel person has been arrested.)
Ác (adj): Evil, wicked. This is the root component, often meaning "evil" in a broader sense.
- Ý định ác. (An evil intention.)
Ác nghiệt (adj): Cruel, harsh, merciless (often used for fate or circumstances).
- Số phận ác nghiệt. (A cruel fate.)
Synonyms
- Cruel: Willfully causing pain or suffering to others.
- Malicious: Characterized by malice; intending or intended to do harm.
- Wicked: Evil or morally wrong.
- Vicious: Deliberately cruel or violent.
- Malevolent: Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.
Related Idioms
Lòng dạ ác độc: A wicked heart, a cruel nature.
- Hắn ta có lòng dạ ác độc. (He has a wicked heart.)
Ác độc như hổ mang: As vicious as a cobra (a simile emphasizing extreme cruelty).
- Kẻ đó ác độc như hổ mang. (That person is as vicious as a cobra.)