ill-natured

Thân thiện

She gave an ill-natured reply to the kind question.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Having an irritable and unpleasant disposition: Describes a person who is habitually bad-tempered, unfriendly, and inclined to be mean or disagreeable.

Usage

The adjective "ill-natured" is used to describe a person's fundamental character or a specific action that reveals such a character. It implies a chronic tendency rather than a temporary mood. * It typically precedes a noun (e.g., an ill-natured remark) or follows a linking verb like "be" or "seem" (e.g., He is ill-natured). * It is a stronger and more character-focused term than simply "grumpy" or "irritable."

Examples

• Her comments ruined the festive atmosphere.
• The manager was known for being and critical, which lowered staff morale.
• It was an debate, with both candidates resorting to personal insults.
• Despite his success, he remained a bitter and old man.

Advanced Usage

• Ill-natured can be used to describe abstract things like disputes, criticism, or rivalry, implying they are characterized by spite and hostility.
  • The legal battle between the siblings became increasingly ill-natured.

Variants and Related Words

• Ill-nature (noun): The quality or state of being ill-natured.
  • His constant ill-nature made him very few friends.

Synonyms

• Mean-spirited: Motivated by pettiness or malice.
• Cantankerous: Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
• Spiteful: Showing or caused by malice.
• Surly: Bad-tempered and unfriendly.

Antonyms

• Good-natured: Kind, friendly, and patient.
• Amiable: Having a friendly and pleasant manner.
• Genial: Friendly and cheerful.

Related Idioms

• To show one's ill nature: To reveal one's unpleasant character through words or actions.
  • He showed his ill nature by refusing to help.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. having an irritable and unpleasant disposition