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Vindictive for Dummies

adjective

pronunciation: vɪn'dɪktɪv

What does Vindictive really mean?

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Hey there! So, you're wondering what the word "vindictive" means? Well, I'm here to help you understand it in the simplest way possible!

Imagine you have a friend, let's call him Tim. So Tim, unfortunately, gets into an argument with his classmate, Dave. Now, Tim is feeling angry and hurt because of what Dave said to him. But instead of just letting go and moving on, Tim decides to get back at Dave. He starts spreading rumors about him and tries to get him into trouble with the teacher. Tim's actions here show that he is being vindictive.

So, to put it in simpler terms, being vindictive means wanting to get revenge or wanting to hurt someone in return for something they did to you. It's like if someone accidentally stepped on your favorite toy, and instead of forgiving them, you intentionally break their favorite toy as payback.

Now, let me give you a couple more examples to make sure you fully understand. Say, your classmate Sarah accidentally spills juice on your favorite shirt. In a non-vindictive response, you might feel upset but forgive her because it was just an accident. However, in a vindictive response, you might purposely ruin her notebook or tell others embarrassing things about her to get back at her.

Remember, being vindictive isn't a good thing. It's like carrying an angry grudge that can lead to hurting others or causing more harm than good. It's always better to try and forgive or find a peaceful resolution to conflicts instead of being vindictive.

So, now that you've read these examples and explanations, can you tell me in your own words what "vindictive" means?


Revised and Fact checked by Sarah Thompson on 2023-10-29 23:43:34

Vindictive In a sentece

Learn how to use Vindictive inside a sentece

  • When someone spreads rumors about you because they are upset that you got a better test score than them, they are being vindictive.
  • If your friend purposely breaks your favorite toy just because you accidentally spilled milk on their shirt, that's a vindictive reaction.
  • Imagine your classmate getting angry and purposefully excluding you from playing a game just because they didn't like the color of your shoes, that's being vindictive.
  • If someone steals your lunch every day just because you didn't invite them to your birthday party, they are acting in a vindictive manner.
  • When a person creates fake social media accounts to harass and embarrass someone because they were not invited to a party, that's a harsh display of being vindictive.

Vindictive Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

despiteful revengeful spiteful vengeful

Vindictive Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.

malicious unforgiving