fit of spite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fit of spite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and intense feeling of anger or resentment that leads to a specific action or behavior, often done to harm or annoy someone else. Example: "In a fit of spite, she decided to cancel the dinner plans they had made for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then, in an extraordinary fit of spite, he demolished the whole house in 1759.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mr. Clothier's Shylock spits the speech out in a fit of seething spite, while performing an act of violence on Salerio (Sam Swainsbury) that makes the threatened extraction of the famous pound of flesh something of an anticlimax.

The New York Times

In addition to the doomed Garnet, Mr. Countryman plays the actor Richard Burbage, the leading player who threatens to leave the King's Men in a fit of envious spite at the younger Richard Sharpe, portrayed with simmering intensity by David Furr (also a jovial King James).

The New York Times

Differences were detected in the values of both instruments with slightly smaller values in Pentacam versus Orbscam I. 9 However, no differences were detected in the minimum pachymetric value but instead in the subsequent lifting of the best sphere fit in spite of similar curvature radii in Pentacam versus Orbscam II.

British Journal of Ophthalmology

In the 1940s, the focus was on physical exercise as a way to remain fit in spite of the physical changes of pregnancy.

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Dinosaur Jr, within a fit of pre-break-up spite, egged their most sensitive member Lou Barlow to scream "Why don't you like me?" over and over until (allegedly) he coughed up blood.

The Guardian - Music

Therefore, protonation and deprotonation stability constants for the variable charge site were taken from the predictions of Sverjensky and Sahai [38] (Table 3) and were not treated as fit parameters, in spite of the fact that doing so might produce a better model fit to the data.

Geochemical Transactions

"They are the army of spite".

The New York Times

She is doing this out of spite".

The New Yorker

Out of spite.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Just out of spite," said a neighbour.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fit of spite", ensure the context clearly illustrates that the action is driven by a sudden, intense feeling of anger or resentment, not a calculated decision.

Common error

Avoid using "fit of spite" to describe actions that are premeditated or part of a long-term plan. This phrase indicates a sudden, impulsive decision driven by anger, not a calculated move.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fit of spite" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies a verb, describing the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that the action is driven by a sudden surge of anger or resentment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fit of spite" describes an action motivated by a sudden surge of anger or resentment. It's grammatically sound and used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes clear the action is driven by a sudden, intense feeling, rather than careful planning. Alternatives like "moment of pique" or "spiteful outburst" may offer slightly different shades of meaning. Although not exceptionally frequent, its specific nuance makes it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spiteful outburst

Directly combines the notions of spite and a sudden release of emotion, making it very close in meaning but structurally different.

resentful impulse

Underscores the sudden urge to act based on feelings of resentment.

burst of resentment

Highlights the feeling of indignation at being treated unfairly, which can lead to spiteful actions.

outburst of vindictiveness

Stresses the desire for revenge, a key element of spite, suggesting a more deliberate action.

bout of vengefulness

Similar to vindictiveness, but implies a shorter duration and a more intense desire for payback.

moment of pique

Emphasizes a transient feeling of offense or irritation rather than prolonged anger.

impulsive display of anger

Conveys the abrupt and uncontrolled nature of the emotional outburst, but it may not necessarily be spiteful.

sudden act of malice

Focuses on the intention to do evil or harm, a component of spite, but might not imply a fleeting impulse.

wave of animosity

Highlights the strong feeling of dislike or hostility, but may not always result in a specific action.

rash decision fueled by resentment

Indicates a thoughtless choice driven by bitterness, emphasizing the decisional aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "fit of spite" to describe a sudden, impulsive action driven by anger or resentment. For example, "In a fit of spite, she deleted all the photos from their shared album".

What's a good alternative to "fit of spite"?

Alternatives include "moment of pique", "burst of resentment", or "spiteful outburst", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "fit of spite" or "act of spite"?

"Fit of spite" emphasizes the impulsivity of the action, while "act of spite" simply highlights that the action was motivated by spite. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the suddenness or the motivation.

What distinguishes a "fit of spite" from simple anger?

A "fit of spite" involves anger that specifically leads to an action intended to harm or annoy someone else. Simple anger might not necessarily involve such targeted malicious intent.