full of spite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of spite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is filled with malice or resentment towards others. Example: "Her comments were full of spite, revealing her true feelings about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The grudge match in Greenwich was a tense and intense battle of wills, full of spite and fury.

Independent

I slowly gave up trying to force myself to root for the Cubs around the same time I stopped forcing myself to see my father as anything other than a flawed, sad man full of spite.

The Guardian - Sport

So he's changing directions with a short, back-to-basics album, "The Shade of Poison Trees," which gives us Mr. Carrabba as he used to be, more or less alone, bashing out fervid little love songs full of spite and sentiment.

The New York Times - Arts

Narcissism, a new song swiping at mummy's boys who expect their lovers to act as their slaves, is full of smirks and insight, Morissette tilting her head as she plays her guitar, as though the object of her derision is standing before her, her manner conversational, her words full of spite as she casually demolishes him.

The Guardian

But in Hopkins's mind, boxing is merely an extension of prison - out of sight and full of spite, sport's punishment block.

BBC

It feels ugly: full of spite, blame, and disgust.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act joined a 40-year accumulation of statutes declaring that crimes committed with a mind full of racial spite or anti-Semitism or homophobic hatred should be punished more severely than identical crimes committed for greed or vengeance.

The New York Times

Terraces of cafes were full in spite of orders not to gather in public spaces.

Huffington Post

What's impressive about the restaurant is that it doesn't seem any less full in spite of the credit crunch – unlike Kensington Place, opposite.

Independent

The murder charge required a showing that Mr. Zimmerman was full of ill will, hatred, spite or evil intent when he shot Mr. Martin.

The New York Times

It's full of ambiguity and, in spite of the adorable Scout, the noble Atticus and all that demonstration of human decency, it's full of darkness, danger and difficulty.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "full of spite", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the presence of malice or resentment. Avoid using it for minor disagreements or playful banter.

Common error

Avoid using "full of spite" when a milder term like "annoyed" or "displeased" would be more accurate. Overstating the emotion can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of spite" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something or someone is characterized by malice or resentment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to vividly describe someone's mood or action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "full of spite" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to convey a strong sense of malice or resentment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable, although it's not as common as other phrases. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it serves to express disapproval or condemnation, suitable for neutral or objective reporting on events tinged with animosity. When employing the phrase, consider its intensity and ensure it accurately reflects the level of negativity intended. Alternatives like ""filled with malice"" or ""bitter and resentful"" may be appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filled with malice

Replaces "spite" with "malice", implying a more active desire to cause harm.

bitter and resentful

Uses adjectives to convey a lasting state of bitterness and resentment.

consumed by animosity

Suggests a powerful, all-encompassing feeling of hostility.

seething with resentment

Implies a suppressed but intense feeling of anger and bitterness.

harboring ill will

Focuses on the act of holding onto negative feelings.

vengeful in nature

Highlights the desire for revenge as a character trait.

possessed by rancor

Indicates a deep-seated and long-lasting bitterness.

acrimonious and hateful

Describes a sharp and bitter tone or attitude.

imbued with venom

Suggests that someone or something is full of poison, bitterness.

replete with vindictiveness

Emphasizes the eagerness to punish or get even.

FAQs

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

You can use "full of spite" to describe actions, words, or even general attitudes that are driven by malice or resentment. For example: "Her actions were full of spite after the argument."

What are some alternatives to "full of spite"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "filled with malice", "bitter and resentful", or "consumed by animosity".

Is it appropriate to describe a situation as "full of spite"?

Yes, "full of spite" can describe a situation, but it's more commonly used to describe a person's actions or demeanor. For example, "The meeting was full of spite after the announcement" is acceptable, but "She was full of spite" is more direct.

What's the difference between "full of spite" and "out of spite"?

"Full of spite" describes a state of being, while "out of spite" describes a motivation for an action. Someone "full of spite" harbors resentment; someone acting "out of spite" is performing an action motivated by that resentment.