vengeful

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈvɛn.dʒfəl/

KK: /ˈvɛnʤfəl/

adjective

Definition

Having a strong desire to get back at someone for a wrong done to you; wanting to take revenge.

Example

After being betrayed, she felt vengeful and plotted her revenge.

Conversation

Did you hear about the movie where the main character is vengeful after losing everything?

Yeah, I saw the trailer! It looks really intense.

I can't wait to see how they show his vengeful side throughout the film.

Me too! It’s always interesting to see how revenge changes a person.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

vindictive

revengeful

spiteful

Antonyms

forgiving

merciful

lenient

Root Explanation

Vengeful → It is formed from "venge" (from Old French *venger*, meaning to take revenge) and "-ful" (meaning full of). The word "vengeful" means full of a desire for revenge.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'full of' ('-ful') a desire to 'take revenge' ('venge') — that's why vengeful describes someone eager to get back at others.

Visually Confused Words

avengeful