sinister meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sinister meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an interpretation or implication that is evil, harmful, or threatening in nature. Example: "The old legend had a sinister meaning that warned of dire consequences for those who dared to disturb the ancient burial ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

However, since the mobile phone became commonplace, it has taken on a more sinister meaning.

Independent

The word "martyr" has a sinister meaning in the post-Sept.

The New York Times

Over time, "hacker" acquired a more sinister meaning: someone who steals your credit cards, or crashes the electronic grid.

The New Yorker

Here, the phrase hanging in your hammock has a decidedly sinister meaning: it's the preferred method of suicide.

Independent

This was the sinister meaning that Gore evoked, but when coupled with old, the phrase has another, almost affectionate, sense.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the outset, we must condemn the practice of imputing a sinister meaning to the exercise of a person's constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In certain areas, however, the messages carry more sinister meanings.

The New York Times

The average serious concertgoer gives the term "casual dress" new and sinister meanings.

The New York Times - Arts

Language itself seems to have been hijacked by toxic political discourse: small words such as "leave", "immigrant", "democracy", "decent", "human", and "real" have taken on sinister meanings.

The Guardian - Books

Sitting in his corner office overlooking Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan, Mr. Beck rejected such charges but acknowledged that some people see sinister meanings in his commentaries.

The New York Times

IN French the left is gauche, and in Latin it is sinister, but researchers studying left-handedness have come to a more ominous meaning: left-handed people, on the whole, may die younger than right-handers.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sinister meaning", consider the audience and ensure the context clearly conveys the intended level of seriousness or foreboding. Avoid overuse, as it can dilute the impact.

Common error

Avoid assuming that every negative meaning is a "sinister meaning". "Sinister meaning" implies a deliberate intent to harm or deceive, so ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sinister meaning" functions as a noun phrase, where "sinister" modifies the noun "meaning". Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sinister meaning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that denotes a threatening or malevolent underlying interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While primarily used in news and media, it also appears in academic and wiki contexts. Related phrases include "ominous implication" and "evil connotation". When employing this phrase, ensure the context warrants its strong connotations and consider your audience. Avoid mistaking any negative meaning for a deliberately "sinister meaning".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ominous implication

Focuses on the threatening nature of the implication rather than the meaning itself.

evil connotation

Emphasizes the inherent evil associated with the implied meaning.

dark significance

Highlights the gloomy and foreboding aspect of the significance.

malicious intent

Shifts the focus to the underlying intention behind the meaning.

threatening undertone

Emphasizes the subtle but menacing quality of the underlying message.

foreboding sense

Stresses the feeling of impending doom conveyed by the meaning.

unfavorable interpretation

Highlights the negative and undesirable aspect of the interpretation.

negative implication

A more general term indicating a negative consequence or association.

baleful interpretation

Uses a more archaic term to emphasize the harmful or destructive nature.

ill-boding significance

Emphasizes the portent of bad things to come conveyed by the meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "sinister meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "sinister meaning" to describe an interpretation or implication that is evil, harmful, or threatening in nature. Example: "The ancient prophecy held a "sinister meaning", foretelling a period of great darkness."

What are some alternatives to "sinister meaning"?

You can use alternatives like "ominous implication", "evil connotation", or "dark significance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Refer to the related phrases section for more ideas.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sinister meaning"?

Use "sinister meaning" when you want to emphasize that something has a particularly threatening or malevolent underlying interpretation. It's appropriate when discussing hidden agendas, dark secrets, or potentially dangerous situations.

What's the difference between "sinister meaning" and "negative meaning"?

"Negative meaning" simply indicates that something has an unfavorable interpretation. "Sinister meaning", on the other hand, implies a more malevolent or harmful intent behind the meaning. For example, a "sinister meaning" might involve a deliberate plan to cause harm, while a "negative meaning" could simply be an unintended consequence.