How Do You Spell EVIL?

Pronunciation: [ˈiːvə͡l] (IPA)

The word 'evil' is a common English term that refers to something immoral, wicked or wrong. It is spelled using the phonemes /ˈiːv(ə)l/ which is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈiːvɪl/. The word contains two syllables, with the first sound being the long vowel sound 'ee' and the second being 'vuh'. The final sound is represented by the letter L, which is a voiceless alveolar lateral consonant, which is pronounced by elevating the tongue towards the hard palate and blowing air through the sides of the tongue.

Meaning and Definition
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Etymology
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EVIL Meaning and Definition

  1. Evil refers to a profoundly immoral or wicked state, action, motive, or belief that intentionally causes harm, suffering, or destruction. It is a concept deeply rooted in human philosophy, religion, and morality. Often seen as the antithesis of good, evil encompasses a wide range of negative qualities and behaviors.

    At its core, evil is characterized by a deliberate disregard for ethical principles and a conscious intent to inflict pain, suffering, or harm upon others. It often involves acting against the commonly accepted notions of righteousness, justice, and fairness. Evil can manifest in various forms, including violence, cruelty, deception, exploitation, and malice.

    It is important to note that the perception of evil can be subjective and may depend on cultural, societal, and individual beliefs. Different cultures and religions have diverse interpretations of what constitutes evil, which can vary from person to person as well.

    In various mythologies and religious traditions, evil is often personified as an external force, such as demons, devils, or supernatural beings, engaging in malevolent endeavors. Evil is frequently portrayed as a powerful and seductive force, capable of corrupting individuals, societies, or even entire civilizations.

    Ultimately, evil represents a moral and ethical judgment derived from the assessment of actions, intentions, and consequences. It serves as a boundary or moral compass, guiding individuals and societies towards what is considered virtuous, just, and righteous.

  2. • Ill; wicked; vicious; having bad qualities of any kind; injurious; unfortunate; unkind.
    • Wickedness; misfortune; calamity; the reverse of good; suffering; that which produces pain; any transgression of the moral law; sin.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for EVIL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for EVIL

Etymology of EVIL

The word evil has its roots in Old English, finding its earliest form as yfel or æfel. It can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic word ubilaz. This word eventually evolved into evill in Middle English before becoming the modern spelling evil. The word shares linguistic connections with several other Germanic languages, such as Gothic ubils and Old High German ubil. Ultimately, its origins can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *upelo-, meaning bad or evil.

Idioms with the word EVIL

  • the evil hour/day/moment The idiom "the evil hour/day/moment" refers to a specific time or moment that one dreads or fears. It suggests that there is a certain period that is particularly unfortunate, difficult, or filled with negativity. It often implies a sense of impending trouble or an unavoidable unpleasant experience that is anticipated.
  • somebody’s good/evil genius The idiom "somebody's good/evil genius" refers to a person who is exceptionally intelligent, creative, or cunning in either a positive or negative way. It suggests that the individual possesses a remarkable ability to scheme, strategize, or come up with brilliant ideas to achieve their goals, whether it is for beneficial or nefarious purposes.
  • evil eye The idiom "evil eye" refers to the belief or superstition that a person, usually unintentionally, possesses the ability to cause harm or misfortune to others by simply looking at them with envy, jealousy, or malevolence. It is commonly believed in various cultures that the evil eye can result in bad luck, illness, or other negative consequences for the recipient.
  • evil twin The idiom "evil twin" refers to a fictional character or entity who shares a striking resemblance with the protagonist but possesses opposite or malevolent traits, intentions, or actions. It symbolizes the duality of good and evil within a person or situation.
  • lesser evil The idiom "lesser evil" refers to a situation where one must choose between two undesirable options, with one being slightly less undesirable or harmful than the other. It implies that neither choice is ideal or satisfactory, but one is considered to be more tolerable or less harmful than the other alternative.
  • put off the evil day The idiom "put off the evil day" means to delay or postpone facing a difficult or unpleasant situation. It refers to the act of avoiding dealing with an impending problem or task by delaying it as long as possible.
  • give sb the evil eye To "give someone the evil eye" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of looking at someone with strong negative intent or malice. It involves giving a stern, piercing gaze or a look filled with disapproval, anger, or spite.
  • Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. The idiom "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" is a phrase derived from the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Matthew. It means that we should focus on and worry about the problems and difficulties of the present day, rather than worrying too much about future troubles that may or may not occur. The phrase emphasizes living in the present moment and dealing with the challenges at hand, rather than constantly anticipating and fretting over what may come.
  • put off the evil hour The idiom "put off the evil hour" means to delay or avoid dealing with a difficult or unpleasant situation, often with the hope that it will resolve itself or the need to confront it will be eliminated. It refers to postponing the inevitable or stalling the moment when one must face an undesirable task or circumstance.
  • put off the evil day (or hour) The idiom "put off the evil day (or hour)" means to delay or procrastinate dealing with a difficult, unpleasant, or inevitable task or situation. It refers to avoiding or postponing something undesirable that one knows will eventually have to be faced.
  • the Evil One The idiom "the Evil One" typically refers to a person or entity that is associated with evil, malevolence, or wickedness. It is often used to describe a perceived embodiment or representation of evil or the source of immoral actions. This idiom commonly appears in religious, mythological, or fictional contexts to describe a powerful and malevolent antagonist.
  • give (one) the evil eye When someone says "give (one) the evil eye," it means to look at someone in a way that is meant to cause harm or misfortune. It is often believed to be an envious or malevolent gaze directed towards someone, with the intention of bringing bad luck, injury, or ill feelings to that person. This idiom signifies a negative or hostile stare aimed at someone.
  • the lesser evil (or the lesser of two evils) The idiom "the lesser evil (or the lesser of two evils)" refers to a situation where there are two options, both of which are unpleasant, but one is considered to be less harmful or disadvantageous than the other. It implies that even though neither choice is ideal, one is relatively better and thus chosen or accepted as a compromise.
  • give someone the evil eye The idiom "give someone the evil eye" means to look at someone in a way that conveys hostility, anger, or ill intentions. It suggests casting a malevolent, threatening, or intimidating gaze towards someone.
  • the evil (moment/hour/day) The idiom "the evil (moment/hour/day)" typically refers to a specific period of time characterized by unfortunate circumstances or events. It suggests that during this time, negative occurrences dominate and cause distress or hardship.
  • the evil eye The idiom "the evil eye" typically refers to an ancient belief in certain cultures that one person can inflict harm or bring about misfortune upon another individual by giving them a malevolent gaze or stare. It is often considered a superstitious notion that the person on the receiving end of the gaze will experience bad luck or negative consequences.
  • See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil The idiom "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" originates from the famous Japanese proverb, "Mizaru, Kikazaru, Iwazaru". It is commonly depicted with three wise monkeys, each covering their eyes, ears, and mouth respectively. The meaning of this idiom is to deliberately avoid acknowledging or being involved in immoral or controversial activities by choosing not to see, hear, or speak about them. It generally promotes the idea of avoiding gossip, negativity, or malicious behavior by consciously keeping oneself away from such things.
  • necessary evil The idiom "necessary evil" refers to something unpleasant or undesirable, but is considered necessary or unavoidable for achieving a certain goal or outcome. It implies that even though the action, object, or situation is undesirable, it is required or indispensable in a particular context.
  • a witch’s/an evil brew The idiom "a witch's/an evil brew" refers to a concoction or mixture that is believed to be harmful, dangerous, or malicious, often suggesting a combination of unpleasant or threatening elements. It is reminiscent of the stereotypical image of witches brewing potions or spells with malevolent intentions. Figuratively, it can be used to describe a situation, circumstance, or combination of things that is chaotic, harmful, or unpleasant.
  • Idleness is the root of all evil. The idiom "Idleness is the root of all evil" means that being inactive or having nothing to do can lead to mischief, sinful behavior, or harmful actions. It suggests that when people have no productive or meaningful pursuits, they may engage in negative or harmful activities.
  • Evil be to him who evil thinks "Evil be to him who evil thinks" is an idiom that originates from the motto of the Order of the Garter, a chivalric order in England. The phrase can be interpreted as a warning that those who assume negative or evil thoughts about others will have evil returned unto them. It signifies that one should not jump to malicious conclusions or judge others without proper evidence or understanding, as it may ultimately harm them instead.
  • the lesser evil The idiom "the lesser evil" refers to a situation where neither of the available options is desirable or ideal, but one is considered to be less harmful or negative than the other. It signifies choosing the option that is perceived as being better, even if it is not an entirely satisfactory solution.
  • give the evil eye The idiom "give the evil eye" is used to describe the act of looking at someone with ill will or malicious intent. It refers to a glare or intense gaze that is believed to bring bad luck, misfortune, or harm to the recipient. It implies sending negative thoughts or evil energy towards someone through direct eye contact.
  • a necessary evil The idiom "a necessary evil" refers to something unpleasant or undesirable that is considered essential or indispensable in achieving a desired outcome or goal. It implies that despite its negative aspects, such an entity or action cannot be avoided or eliminated due to its functional role or importance in a particular context.
  • the forces of evil The idiom "the forces of evil" refers to a collective or unspecified group of individuals or entities that are believed to be inherently wicked, malevolent, or actively working against what is considered good or moral. It signifies the presence or influence of evil or negative forces in a situation or context.
  • Money is the root of all evil
  • give somebody the evil ˈeye

Similar spelling words for EVIL

Plural form of EVIL is EVILS

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