viciously
gb/vˈɪʃəsli/ us/vˈɪʃəsli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
in a cruel, violent way
in a very cruel and violent way
Usage pattern:
viciously + [verb] (e.g., attack, beat, bite)
Common mistake:
Do not use it for ordinary strength (e.g., *viciously strong* is uncommon); it usually implies cruelty or harm.
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.)
Collocations
viciously attacked
|viciously beaten
|viciously assaulted
|viciously bitten
|viciously kicked
|viciously stabbed
|viciously abused
|viciously bullied
|viciously injured
|viciously murdered
Themes
crime
|violence
|behavior
Examples
- The dog was viciously attacked by another animal.
- He was viciously beaten outside the bar.
- She shouted for help as the man kicked her viciously.
Learner examples
- The man was viciously attacked.
- The dog bit him viciously.
adverb
C1
property
2
in a harsh, spiteful way
in a very mean and harmful way (with words)
Usage pattern:
viciously + [verb] (e.g., criticize, insult, mock)
Common mistake:
It is stronger than simply 'rudely' or 'strongly'; it implies malice and real damage.
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.)
Collocations
viciously criticized
|viciously attacked (in print)
|viciously mocked
|viciously insulted
|viciously ridiculed
|viciously gossiped
|viciously slandered
|viciously sarcastic
|viciously personal
|viciously unfair
Themes
communication
|emotions
|social
Examples
- Her performance was viciously criticized online.
- He was viciously mocked for his accent.
- The columnist viciously attacked the mayor’s character.
Learner examples
- People viciously criticized the new policy.
- Don’t speak viciously about others.
adverb
C1
property
3
extremely and unpleasantly
extremely, in a way that feels harsh
Usage pattern:
viciously + [adjective/adverb] (e.g., cold, hot, difficult)
Common mistake:
This use is less common than the 'cruel/violent' sense and usually adds a negative, harsh feeling (e.g., 'viciously cold').
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.)
Collocations
viciously cold
|viciously hot
|viciously windy
|viciously difficult
|viciously hard
|viciously bright
|viciously sharp
|viciously uncomfortable
Themes
weather
|intensity
|daily_life
Examples
- It was viciously cold on the mountain ridge.
- A viciously bright light flashed in her eyes.
- The final exam was viciously difficult for most of the class.
Learner examples
- It is viciously cold today.
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.