vindictiveness
vin-DIK-tiv-ness
/vɪnˈdɪk.tɪv.nəs/
a strong desire for revenge.
Vindictiveness is focused on 'getting even.' It is the quality of someone who cannot let a slight go without punishing the person who did it.
The story behind the word. Coming from the Latin 'vindicta', which meant 'revenge' or 'vengeance'. In Roman law, a 'vindicta' was also the staff used to touch a slave to set them free—a weird connection, but it relates to the idea of 'claiming' or 'asserting' one's rights or status.
Word relationships
- vengefulness: Vengefulness is the desire for revenge; vindictiveness is the personality trait of being prone to seeking revenge.
- spitefulness: Spitefulness is a desire to annoy; vindictiveness is a more serious desire to punish.
- magnanimity: Magnanimity is being generous and forgiving, especially toward a rival.
- mercy: Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone it is within one's power to punish.
Commonly confused with
- vindication: Vindication is being proven right or cleared of blame; vindictiveness is wanting to hurt someone who blamed you.
Word family
- vindictive (adjective): having a strong desire for revenge
- vindictively (adverb): in a revengeful manner
Collocations
- petty vindictiveness
- personal vindictiveness
- pure vindictiveness
Idioms & expressions
- an eye for an eye
Example sentences
- "Her vindictiveness knew no bounds; she spent months trying to ruin his reputation." Describing a person's reaction to a breakup.
- "Critics argued the judge's ruling was motivated more by vindictiveness than by justice." A critique of a harsh legal sentence.
Memory hook
A 'vindictive' person wants to 'win' the 'dictation' of the argument by getting revenge. Vindicta = Vengeance.
When not to use
Do not use for general anger; it must involve a specific desire for retaliation.
Fun facts
- The word 'avenge' and 'revenge' share a distant history with the 'vindic-' root.
Related words
Explore more words
vindictive, vengeance, avenge, retribution, retributive, vendetta
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