vile etymology

Etymology

The word "vile" derives from the Latin word "vilis," meaning "worthless," "cheap," or "despicable."

Meaning

Vile refers to something that is:

• Extremely unpleasant, disgusting, or contemptible
• Morally or ethically reprehensible
• Deserving of disapproval or scorn

Origin

The Latin word "vilis" is thought to be related to the Proto-Indo-European root "wei-," which means "to shrink" or "to wither." This is likely because worthless or cheap things are often seen as withered or diminished in value.

Usage

Examples of the word "vile" in use:

• The smell of the dumpster was utterly vile.
• His crimes were so heinous that he was considered a vile human being.
• The vile comments on social media were a reflection of the speaker's true nature.

Antonyms

• Pleasant
• Acceptable
• Ethical

vile relate terms

• venal

  Etymology The word venal derives from the Latin word venalis meaning for sale or

• revile

  Etymology The word revile comes from the Old French word revilir which in turn come

• vile

  Etymology The word vile derives from the Latin word vilis meaning worthless chea

• vilify

  Etymology The word vilify originates from the Latin word vituperare which means to

• vile

  Etymology The word vile derives from the Latin word vilis meaning worthless chea

• queasy

  Etymology The word queasy is thought to have originated from one of two sources Old

• sordid

  Etymology Sordid comes from the Latin word sordidus meaning filthy squalid or mea

• file

  Etymology File originates from the Middle English word filen which itself derives fro

• turpitude

  Etymology The word turpitude comes from the Latin word turpitudo meaning ugliness

• proletarian

  Etymology The word proletarian is derived from the Latin proles which means offsp

• mantle

  Etymology The word mantle derives from the Middle English term mantel which origina

• empirical

  Etymology The word empirical comes from the Greek word empeiria meaning experience