Definition

The quality of being evil or morally bad; the state of engaging in wicked actions.

Example

The villainousness of his actions shocked everyone in the community.

Conversation

Did you see that movie with the villainousness of the main character?

Yeah, it was so intense!

I can't believe how they portrayed his villainousness so well.

I know, it made the story so much more gripping!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Villainousness → It is formed from "villain" (from Old French *vilain*, meaning a farmhand or peasant, later evolving to mean a wicked or evil person) and the suffix "-ous" (meaning full of) combined with "-ness" (indicating a state or quality). The word "villainousness" refers to the state of being full of villainy or wickedness.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'villain' as someone who is 'full of' ('-ous') wickedness or evil ('-ness'). This helps you remember that 'villainousness' describes the quality of being villainous.

Visually Confused Words