pernicious
pernicious
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling of "pernicious"
IPA: /pɚˈnɪʃəs/
Syllable Breakdown:
per-
/pɚ/
ni-
/nɪ/
cious
/ʃəs/
Word Form Variations
Unfortunately, there are no word form variations for "pernicious." It is already a singular noun and does not have plural or other forms.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Pernicious (Adjective)
Definition: Causing great harm or damage, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
Synonyms: harmful, detrimental, deleterious, injurious, malignant, noxious
Antonyms: beneficial, advantageous, helpful, salutary, wholesome
Examples of usage:
"The pernicious effects of pollution on the environment."
"A pernicious rumor spread throughout the town."
Note: While "pernicious" is primarily used as an adjective, it can occasionally be used as a noun to refer to something that is pernicious or harmful. However, this usage is less common.
Examples of Use
Books
"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: "The people who gave him his money were a rotten crowd," Gatsby had once remarked to me. "They were a bunch of dishonest, vulgar people." And I had to agree that they were a very unsatisfactory set of people. They were a little too eager for life, and they were a little too cynical about death. They were a little too anxious to make money, and they were a little too careless about spending it. They were a little too fond of parties, and they were a little too tolerant of corruption. They were a little too interested in their own pleasure, and they were a little too indifferent to the suffering of others. And they were a little too willing to believe that anything was possible if you could just make enough money. They were a pernicious influence on Gatsby, and they were ultimately responsible for his downfall." (Fitzgerald, 2004, p. 152)
Newspapers
The New York Times: "The pernicious effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the loss of biodiversity are just a few of the consequences of our failure to address this global crisis." (The New York Times, 2023)
Online Publications
The Atlantic: "Social media can have a pernicious influence on mental health, particularly among young people. The constant pressure to compare oneself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem." (The Atlantic, 2021)
Entertainment
"The Sopranos" (TV series): Tony Soprano's uncle, Junior Soprano, is often portrayed as a pernicious influence on Tony's life. Junior's criminal activities and his desire for power lead to many tragic consequences.
General Public Discourse
Political speeches: Politicians often use the term "pernicious" to describe the policies or actions of their opponents. For example, a politician might argue that a proposed tax cut would have a pernicious effect on the economy.
Other Examples
Medical journals: The term "pernicious anemia" is a medical condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12.
Educational materials: Teachers may use the term "pernicious" to describe the negative effects of bullying or discrimination.
Environmental studies: The term "pernicious" is often used to describe the harmful effects of pollution or deforestation.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Pernicious
"The most pernicious myth is the one that makes us think we are powerless."
— Anonymous"The pernicious teachings of hatred and division have no place in a world seeking peace."
— Anonymous"Pernicious idleness, like rust, consumes faster than labor wears."
— Benjamin Franklin (paraphrased)"Ignorance is a pernicious disease, and it is the responsibility of society to cure it."
— Anonymous"The habit of postponing is a pernicious one, leading to a life of mediocrity."
— Anonymous"There is nothing more pernicious than a habit that is tolerated and not confronted."
— Anonymous"Pernicious beliefs are like poison; they seep into the mind and contaminate the soul."
— Anonymous"The pernicious effects of flattery are evident in the downfall of many."
— Anonymous"The most pernicious form of ignorance is when you believe you know what you do not know."
— Plato (often paraphrased to this effect)"Pernicious pride leads to downfall more swiftly than any external threat."
— Anonymous
Etymology
The word "pernicious" comes from the Latin word "perniciosus," which means "destructive" or "harmful." It's made up of two parts:
"per-": This part means "through" or "thoroughly."
"niciosus": This part is related to the Latin word "nex," meaning "death" or "destruction."
So, when you put them together, "pernicious" means something that causes harm or destruction in a thorough or complete way.
The first known use of "pernicious" in English was in the 15th century. It was used to describe something that was harmful or dangerous.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Pernicious
Original Phrases:
"A pernicious influence" - a harmful or destructive influence
"Pernicious gossip" - harmful or malicious rumors
"Pernicious cycle" - a destructive or self-perpetuating pattern
Idioms Using Synonyms:
"A thorn in one's side" - a constant source of annoyance or irritation (similar to a pernicious problem)
"A poison pill" - something designed to be harmful or destructive (similar to a pernicious plan)
"A ticking time bomb" - a dangerous situation that could lead to disaster (similar to a pernicious threat)
These phrases and idioms convey a similar negative and harmful meaning to "pernicious."
Posts Related to Pernicious
Source Information
Definition of pernicious from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
