despiteful

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /dɪ'spaɪt.fəl/

KK: /dɪ'spaɪtfl/

adjective

Definition

Showing a desire to harm or hurt someone; mean-spirited.

Example

His despiteful comments made her feel very upset.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Comparative: more despiteful

Superlative: most despiteful

Conversation

Did you hear what she said about me?

Yeah, it seemed pretty despiteful for no reason.

I know, right? I thought we were friends.

Sometimes people can be really petty, it's frustrating.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

malicious

spiteful

venomous

Antonyms

benevolent

kind

compassionate

Root Explanation

Despiteful → It is formed from "despite" (from Old French *despit*, meaning contempt or scorn) and the suffix "-ful" (meaning full of). The word "despiteful" means full of contempt or scorn.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'full of contempt' — 'despite' refers to scorn, and '-ful' means full of.

Visually Confused Words