spite
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /spaɪt/
KK: /spaɪt/
noun
Definition
A feeling of wanting to hurt or annoy someone, often because of anger or resentment.
Example
She did it out of spite, hoping to make him feel bad.
Conversation
I can't believe she did that just out of spite.
Yeah, it seems so unnecessary to me.
It really shows how some people can hold onto spite for so long.
Exactly! It's better to let things go and move on.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
malice
resentment
animosity
Antonyms
kindness
friendliness
benevolence
transitive verb
Definition
To intentionally hurt or annoy someone, often out of anger or resentment.
Example
She decided to spite him by not inviting him to the party.
Tense Forms
Past: spited
Past Participle: spited
Conversation
I can't believe he did that just to spite her.
Right? It seems so unnecessary.
It's like he was trying to vent his frustration on her.
Root Explanation
Spite originates from Old French *despit*, meaning contempt or disdain. It conveys a feeling of malice or ill will towards someone.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old French word for contempt, which helps you remember that spite means having ill will or malice towards someone.
Visually Confused Words
sprite
sopite
site
spirate
spinate
spilite
spicate
respite