Basic Details
Word: Vicious
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Very cruel or violent; capable of causing great harm.
Synonyms: Ferocious, savage, brutal
Antonyms: Gentle, kind, benevolent
Idioms and Phrases
- Vicious cycle: A situation in which one problem causes another problem, creating a loop that is hard to escape. Example: "His unhealthy eating led to weight gain, and now he's stuck in a vicious cycle of dieting and binge-eating."
- Vicious rumours: Harmful or false stories that spread quickly and can damage someone's reputation. Example: "She was hurt by the vicious rumours that circulated in school."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The vicious dog barked and growled, frightening everyone who passed by.
Example 2: The story revolved around a vicious villain who would stop at nothing to get revenge.
Example 3: It's important to address the vicious cycle of bullying in schools to create a safer environment for students.
Fun Fact
The word "vicious" comes from the Latin word "vitiosus," which means "faulty" or "corrupted." Over time, it evolved in English to describe behaviours that are wicked or cruel.
Famous Quote
"The vicious man is not irredeemable; he is simply a victim of his own misery." - R. A. Ainsworth
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "vicious" mean?
a) Very friendly
b) Very cruel
c) Extremely silly
d) Completely dull
Answer: b) Very cruel
2. Which of these is a synonym of "vicious"?
a) Gentle
b) Ferocious
c) Calm
d) Cheerful
Answer: b) Ferocious
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "vicious"?
a) Savage
b) Kind
c) Brutal
d) Cruel
Answer: b) Kind
4. Which sentence uses "vicious" correctly?
a) The vicious cat was very friendly.
b) The vicious storm destroyed many buildings.
c) She wore a vicious dress to the party.
d) The puppy was vicious and cuddled everyone.
Answer: b) The vicious storm destroyed many buildings.
5. What does the idiom "vicious cycle" refer to?
a) A fun activity for children
b) A situation that is difficult to escape from
c) A type of bike race
d) A kind of dance move
Answer: b) A situation that is difficult to escape from
