act of spite

USAGE SUMMARY

"act of spite" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is generally used to refer to an action taken out of spite, or bitterness, usually with the intention of hurting someone. For example: "John refused to give his neighbour's son a job, despite his impressive resume, a clear act of spite due to their ongoing feud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Diski was too honest and spirited a writer to make that impulse ever seem like an act of spite.

The Guardian - Books

"The draining of the reservoir is a pure act of spite to frustrate people who have objected," said Hill.

The Guardian

In a final act of spite, the customs officers ransacked her suitcase and even her baby's carrycot.

The Guardian - Opinion

False rumors swept the city that the colonel had poisoned the water in a final act of spite.

The New York Times

Psychiatrists say the lengths to which people like Mandy are prepared to go mean their behaviour is pathological, a disorder rather than simply an act of spite.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their hoax was an act of spite after a theatrical adaptation of "Une Saison en Enfer," which they had staged, was panned by the press.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

A passage presented as a scholarly editor's note speculates in general terms about these acts of spite.

The New York Times - Books

In trashing Sorkin's films about Zuckerberg and Jobs as acts of spite, he wrote: "Sorkin is Salieri to their Mozart.

The Guardian - Film

One routine is choreographed entirely from small acts of spite – a flick of the ear, a slap of the cheek – and the dancers trade these punishments like old married couples.

The Guardian

But the new study, published online today in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, finds that when players start out using multiple different strategies, by making fair or unfair offers, and rejecting or accepting unfair offers, some will act out of spite.

Science Magazine

It's an act of complex spite, an act of love.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "act of spite" when you want to emphasize that an action was motivated by bitterness, resentment, or a desire to harm someone. Ensure the context clearly indicates this negative motivation.

Common error

Avoid labeling an action as an "act of spite" without sufficient evidence of malicious intent. Ensure that the action is not simply a consequence of differing opinions or a misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of spite" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific action characterized by malevolence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to refer to an action taken out of spite, or bitterness, usually with the intention of hurting someone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "act of spite" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes an action motivated by bitterness or resentment, often with the intent to cause harm. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is frequently employed in News & Media, and also appears in Encyclopedias and Wiki sources. While the phrase itself maintains a generally neutral register, care should be taken to ensure the context is appropriate, given the negative connotations. Alternative phrases such as "vindictive action" or "malicious deed" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When writing, ensure the attribution of spiteful motivation is well-supported to avoid mischaracterization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revengeful act

It's very similar, but it emphasizes the seeking of revenge.

vindictive action

This alternative emphasizes the vengeful nature of the act.

malicious deed

This alternative focuses on the intent to cause harm.

malevolent action

This alternative emphasizes a desire to do evil.

resentful behavior

This option highlights the underlying feeling driving the action.

action fueled by malice

It uses a different structure, highlighting the motivation behind the action.

ill-natured action

It emphasizes the bad character behind the action.

bitter action

This alternative emphasizes the emotional state that caused the action.

hostile gesture

This phrase indicates an unfriendly and aggressive action.

retaliatory measure

It emphasizes the response to a previous action.

FAQs

How can I use "act of spite" in a sentence?

You can use "act of spite" to describe an action clearly motivated by resentment or bitterness, such as, "Refusing to acknowledge her contributions was a petty "act of spite"."

What are some alternatives to "act of spite"?

Alternatives include "vindictive action", "malicious deed", or "resentful behavior", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "act of spite" and "act of malice"?

"Act of spite" implies resentment or bitterness is the primary motivator, while "act of malice" suggests a more general desire to cause harm or suffering. The former is often reactive, while the latter can be proactive.

Is it appropriate to use "act of spite" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "act of spite" carries a strong negative connotation. Consider using a more neutral alternative like "retaliatory measure" if the context requires a more formal tone.