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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

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 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

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nefarious

IPA:

How to pronounce nefarious (audio)

Dictionary definition of nefarious

Extremely wicked, morally reprehensible and characterized by deliberate, malevolent intent.
"The nefarious plan was foiled by the authorities before it could be executed."

Detailed meaning of nefarious

When something is characterized as nefarious, it implies a level of evil or malevolence that goes beyond typical wrongdoing, often involving a calculated and sinister intent to cause harm, deceive, or engage in criminal activities. Nefarious acts are typically associated with deceit, cruelty, and a complete disregard for ethical or legal boundaries. This term can be applied to various contexts, such as nefarious criminal schemes, nefarious characters in literature or films, or nefarious political or corporate activities that undermine the well-being or rights of others. "Nefarious" underscores the idea of actions or intentions that are deeply and unambiguously wicked, often stirring feelings of outrage, condemnation, or moral indignation.

Example sentences containing nefarious

1. His nefarious deeds were finally exposed.
2. The nefarious plan was a threat to national security.
3. The king's advisor was known for his nefarious activities.
4. The thief had a long record of nefarious behavior.
5. The company engaged in nefarious practices to maximize profits.
6. The corrupt politician's nefarious activities were finally revealed.

History and etymology of nefarious

The adjective 'nefarious' has its etymological roots in Latin. It derives from the Latin word 'nefarius,' which is formed from 'ne,' meaning 'not,' and 'fari,' meaning 'to speak' or 'to say.' Originally, in Latin, 'nefarius' meant 'unspeakable' or 'unsayable,' often referring to actions or deeds that were so heinous or wicked that they were considered beyond description. Over time, this word evolved to describe acts that were not only extremely wicked but also morally reprehensible and characterized by deliberate, malevolent intent. The etymology of 'nefarious' underscores the gravity of actions so wicked that they were initially deemed unspeakable, emphasizing the profound moral condemnation associated with the term.

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Further usage examples of nefarious

1. The cult leader's nefarious influence over his followers was disturbing.
2. The spy's nefarious actions were a danger to international relations.
3. The criminal mastermind's nefarious schemes always kept the police on their toes.
4. The businessman's nefarious deals were uncovered by a whistleblower.
5. The terrorist organization was known for their nefarious activities around the world.
6. The serial killer's nefarious crimes shocked the entire community.
7. The villain hatched a nefarious plan to steal the crown jewels.
8. The cult leader had a nefarious influence on his followers.
9. The hacker's actions were deemed nefarious by law enforcement.
10. The drug lord's operations were nefarious and far-reaching.
11. The conspiracy involved a group of nefarious individuals.
12. The criminal mastermind executed a nefarious scheme.
13. The corrupt politician was involved in nefarious activities.
14. The dictator's regime was known for its nefarious tactics.
15. The serial killer's motives were shrouded in nefarious intent.
16. The gang's activities were considered nefarious by the community.
17. The art thief had a history of nefarious heists.
18. The espionage plot had a nefarious objective.
19. The cybercriminal had a reputation for his nefarious exploits.
20. The counterfeit operation was a nefarious enterprise.
21. The assassin was hired for a nefarious assignment.
22. The identity thief's actions were nefarious and destructive.
23. The dark web is a haven for nefarious activities.
24. The smugglers engaged in a nefarious trade.
25. The forger had a talent for creating nefarious documents.
26. The warlord's reign was marked by nefarious acts.
27. The con artist had a repertoire of nefarious scams.
28. The extortionist used nefarious tactics to threaten victims.
29. The pirate captain was known for his nefarious deeds.
30. The blackmail scheme was a nefarious plot to ruin reputations.
31. The international spy network was involved in nefarious espionage.

GRE 1 (Graduate Record Examination), Fear and Ferocity, Decline and Decay, Gloom and Unpleasantness, Vilification and Vitriol, Repugnance and Revulsion, Degenerate and Deplorable

corrupt,degenerate,depraved,heinous,malevolent,malicious,vicious

sinful,villainous

villainous, virtuous, honorable, ethical

eb68db_d2384c5fc8914bb3bc3ec7971447ead8.mp3

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