viciously
gb/vˈɪʃəsli/ us/vˈɪʃəsli/
C1
English
brutálisan, kegyetlenül, rosszindulatúan, iszonyúan
C1
1
brutálisan
B2
kegyetlenül
B2
Usage pattern:
viciously + [verb] (e.g., attack, beat, bite)
The dog was viciously attacked by another animal.
A kutyát egy másik állat brutálisan megtámadta.
He was viciously beaten outside the bar.
A bár előtt brutálisan megverték.
She shouted for help as the man kicked her viciously.
Learner examples
The man was viciously attacked.
A férfit brutálisan megtámadták.
The dog bit him viciously.
A kutya brutálisan megharapta.
Common mistake:
Do not use it for ordinary strength (e.g., *viciously strong* is uncommon); it usually implies cruelty or harm.
Meaning
in a cruel, violent way
Collocations
viciously attacked
|viciously beaten
|viciously assaulted
|viciously bitten
|viciously kicked
|viciously stabbed
|viciously abused
|viciously bullied
|viciously injured
|viciously murdered
Synonyms
brutally (Focuses on extreme physical violence or cruelty.)
|
savagely (Suggests uncontrolled, animal-like violence.)
Antonyms
gently (In a soft, non-harmful manner.)
|
kindly (With care and goodwill rather than cruelty.)
Themes
crime
|violence
|behavior
Definition
in a very cruel and violent way
In a way that is deliberately cruel or violent and intended to cause serious harm.
C1
2
kegyetlenül
B2
Usage pattern:
viciously + [verb] (e.g., criticize, insult, mock)
Her performance was viciously criticized online.
A teljesítményét az interneten kegyetlenül kritizálták.
He was viciously mocked for his accent.
Kegyetlenül gúnyolták az akcentusa miatt.
The columnist viciously attacked the mayor’s character.
Learner examples
People viciously criticized the new policy.
Az emberek kegyetlenül bírálták az új intézkedést.
Don’t speak viciously about others.
Ne beszélj rosszindulatúan másokról.
Common mistake:
It is stronger than simply 'rudely' or 'strongly'; it implies malice and real damage.
Meaning
in a harsh, spiteful way
Collocations
viciously criticized
|viciously attacked (in print)
|viciously mocked
|viciously insulted
|viciously ridiculed
|viciously gossiped
|viciously slandered
|viciously sarcastic
|viciously personal
|viciously unfair
Synonyms
maliciously (Highlights intention to harm or punish.)
|
spitefully (Emphasizes nastiness driven by resentment.)
Antonyms
fairly (Without malice or bias; in a just way.)
|
politely (In a respectful, non-hurtful way.)
Themes
communication
|emotions
|social
Definition
in a very mean and harmful way (with words)
In a way that is very harsh, malicious, and intended to hurt someone’s feelings or reputation.
C1
3
iszonyúan
B1
brutálisan
B2
Usage pattern:
viciously + [adjective/adverb] (e.g., cold, hot, difficult)
It was viciously cold on the mountain ridge.
A hegygerincen iszonyúan hideg volt.
A viciously bright light flashed in her eyes.
Vakítóan erős fény villant a szemébe.
The final exam was viciously difficult for most of the class.
Learner examples
It is viciously cold today.
Ma iszonyúan hideg van.
Common mistake:
This use is less common than the 'cruel/violent' sense and usually adds a negative, harsh feeling (e.g., 'viciously cold').
Meaning
extremely and unpleasantly
Collocations
viciously cold
|viciously hot
|viciously windy
|viciously difficult
|viciously hard
|viciously bright
|viciously sharp
|viciously uncomfortable
Synonyms
severely (Neutral and common for degree, often less emotional.)
|
bitterly (Common with 'cold' and emphasizes unpleasantness.)
Antonyms
mildly (To a small degree; not harsh.)
|
pleasantly (In a comfortable, enjoyable way.)
Themes
weather
|intensity
|daily_life
Definition
extremely, in a way that feels harsh
To a very great degree in a way that feels severe, harsh, or painful.
Grammar
Dictionary form
viciously
IPA
GB/vˈɪʃəsli/
US/vˈɪʃəsli/
Syllables & stress
vi - ciously (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (vi)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: viciously
- Plural: viciouslies
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.