Vengefully

USAGE SUMMARY

"Vengefully" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe actions or feelings that are motivated by a desire for revenge. Example: "She vengefully plotted her next move against her rival." Alternative expressions include "with vengeance" and "in a vengeful manner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On January 29th the chairman of the government's securities outfit, Valentin Shukhno, complained about the backwardness of Belarus's state-controlled financial exchange.All this comes after months when Mr Lukashenka had vengefully crushed the remains of the opposition and closed down most of the independent press.

The Economist

Mr Radelet thinks the race of the perpetrator makes little difference, but juries respond more vengefully when the victim is white.

The Economist

When Maggie Tulliver's father vengefully whips his longtime enemy, Ms Edmundson has the distraught Maggie hanging on to the end of the whip.

The Economist

The Palestinians have retaliated vengefully for Israel's bombing on July 22nd of a crowded block of flats in Gaza city.

The Economist

Having been derided as the corrupt representatives of a moribund political order, the opposition is now vengefully casting around for constitutional ways to unseat Mr Chavez.

The Economist

So, for the purposes of local politics, Tamils, Gujeratis, Keralans and Bibaris were redefined as a single tribe, and began to behave as such.Once in power in Karachi, the MQM behaved vengefully and autocratically towards other ethnic groups (who, altogether, make up around half of Karachi's population).

The Economist

In the depths of his imagination, where his poetry was born, he remained vengefully Manichaean.

The New Yorker

She showed me a huge cement lump painted a patchwork of vengefully strident colors that segued into lovely filmy golds and violets.

The New Yorker

The show's selection of large photographs by Sherman favors her excursions, circa 1985, into vengefully horrific imagery: simulations of vomitous substances and diseased body parts.

The New Yorker

Perhaps vengefully, some people persist in regarding him as trivial, which he isn't.

The New Yorker

In the new intolerance, "the jugular of the dissenter [is] vengefully slashed at.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vengefully" to vividly depict actions driven by a desire for revenge, ensuring the context clearly establishes the preceding offense or provocation.

Common error

Avoid using "vengefully" in situations where the action is simply assertive or defensive, as it implies a strong element of malice and retribution that may not be present.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "vengefully" primarily functions to modify a verb, indicating that the action is performed with a desire for revenge. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing actions like "crushed", "retaliated", and "slashed".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vengefully" is a grammatically correct adverb used to describe actions motivated by a desire for revenge. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence, particularly in news and media contexts. While its meaning is clear and its use common, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in neutral situations, opting for alternative adverbs when malice is not the primary motivator. Consider alternatives like "vindictively" or "retaliatory" depending on the context. Its high expert rating confirms its reliability and consistent usage in quality sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

With vengeful intent

Emphasizes the intent behind the action, focusing on the purpose of revenge.

In a vindictive manner

Highlights the spiteful and malicious way in which the action is carried out.

With retribution

Focuses on the act of inflicting punishment or payback.

Seeking revenge

Describes the active pursuit of vengeance.

Out of spite

Emphasizes the malicious motive behind the action.

In retaliation

Highlights the act of responding to an offense with a similar action.

With malice

Focuses on the intention to do evil or harm.

With a desire for revenge

Clearly states the underlying motivation for the action.

To avenge

Highlights the act of taking revenge for oneself or on behalf of someone else.

In a spirit of revenge

Emphasizes the mindset or attitude driving the action.

FAQs

How can I use "vengefully" in a sentence?

Use "vengefully" to describe an action done with a strong desire for revenge. For example, "She vengefully plotted her rival's downfall".

What words are similar to "vengefully"?

Alternatives to "vengefully" include "vindictively", "retaliatory", or "with vengeful intent".

Is it appropriate to use "vengefully" in formal writing?

While "vengefully" is grammatically correct, consider the tone. In formal writing, assess whether a more neutral term like ""retaliatory"" might be more suitable unless you specifically want to emphasize the desire for revenge.

What is the difference between "vengefully" and "angrily"?

"Angrily" describes an action done out of anger, while "vengefully" describes an action done with the intention of revenge or retribution. The action of revenge may or may not be angry.