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vindictive

Adjective

IPA /vɪnˈdɪktɪv/

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Meaning in plain English

Wanting to hurt or punish someone because you feel they have wronged you.

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Pronunciation

vindictive/vɪnˈdɪktɪv/

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Someone feels personally wronged
A cruel message tries to hurt in return

A vindictive response seeks revenge rather than a fair resolution.

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He sent a vindictive message after she declined his invitation.
The novel shows how the manager's vindictive behaviour damages the whole team.

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He sent a ________ message after she declined his invitation.

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vindictive — Wanting to hurt or punish someone because you feel they have wronged you.

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Wanting to hurt or punish someone because you feel they have wronged you.

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Word origin

From Latin vindicta, meaning vengeance, with the ending -ive.

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Vindictive remark, action and behaviour describe an attempt to get revenge.

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