VocabDictionary

evil

/ˈiː.vəl/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Profoundly immoral and wicked; causing harm, pain, or trouble.

Example Sentences:
  • The villain hatched an evil plan to take over the city.
  • He is known for his cruel and evil deeds.
2.noun

Profound immorality, wickedness, and depravity, especially when regarded as a supernatural force.

Example Sentences:
  • A timeless struggle between good and evil.
  • She believed that greed was the root of all evil.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “evil”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'yfel', meaning 'bad, vicious, grievous', originating from Proto-Germanic '*ubilaz' (exceeding proper limits, transgressing), sharing roots with the Old High German 'ubil'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of the word 'live' spelled backwards to remember that evil is the opposite of living a good, positive life.

Frequently Asked Questions About “evil

1. What is the meaning of “evil” in English?

In English, evil (adjective) is defined as: “Profoundly immoral and wicked; causing harm, pain, or trouble.”.

2. How do you use “evil” in a sentence?

The villain hatched an evil plan to take over the city.

3. What are English synonyms of “evil”?

Common synonyms include:wicked,immoral,malicious,sinful,depraved

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “evil”?

Derived from the Old English 'yfel', meaning 'bad, vicious, grievous', originating from Proto-Germanic '*ubilaz' (exceeding proper limits, transgressing), sharing roots with the Old High German 'ubil'.