something very mean-spirited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something very mean-spirited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action, comment, or behavior that is unkind or malicious in nature. Example: "Her remarks about his failure were something very mean-spirited, showing a lack of empathy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Something very mean-spirited".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It was very mean-spirited," Ms. Raley said.

The New York Times

"The Real Wedding Crashers" is not seeking to provide social satire, nor is it very mean-spirited.

The New York Times - Arts

And it's meant to be very mean-spirited, which is very biased, and I don't like it.

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, at the power plant Homer's very mean-spirited boss, Mr. Burns, announces that there will be no Christmas bonus this year.

Wikipedia

"You have to be a very mean-spirited and ideologically warped person to believe that this is right and that this is fair," Cleaver continued.

Huffington Post

One year, I dressed in drag as Wonder Woman and they were very mean spirited about it.

Huffington Post

I mean Alec, I like Alec, but his imitation of me is really mean-spirited and not very good.

Huffington Post

"I like Alec, but his imitation of me is really mean-spirited and not very good," he said.

Los Angeles Times

WATCH: "I like Alec, but his imitation of me is really mean-spirited and not very good".

Huffington Post

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour ». "I mean, I like Alec, but his imitation of me is really mean-spirited and not very good.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions or statements, ensure the context clearly demonstrates the unkind or malicious intent to justify using the phrase "something very mean-spirited".

Common error

Avoid using "something very mean-spirited" in situations where the behavior is merely insensitive or mildly rude. Reserve it for scenarios where the intent is clearly malicious or deeply unkind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something very mean-spirited" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as a noun complement to describe an action, statement, or characteristic that exhibits malice or unkindness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "something very mean-spirited" is a grammatically correct and commonly used descriptive term, primarily found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig, it effectively conveys disapproval of actions or statements exhibiting malice or unkindness. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations demonstrating clear malicious intent, avoiding overuse in milder scenarios. Alternatives like "utterly malicious" or "quite vindictive" offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. The sources like The New York Times and Huffington Post confirm its widespread use in various discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly malicious

Focuses on the malicious intent behind the action, emphasizing its harmful nature.

quite vindictive

Highlights the vengeful aspect of the action, suggesting a desire for retribution.

thoroughly nasty

Emphasizes the unpleasant and disagreeable nature of the action.

extremely callous

Stresses the lack of empathy or concern for others' feelings in the action.

truly malevolent

Focuses on the evil or harmful intentions driving the action.

deeply malevolent

Similar to "truly malevolent" but emphasizes the intensity of the evil intent.

remarkably cruel

Highlights the heartless and pitiless nature of the action.

patently spiteful

Emphasizes the malicious and resentful nature of the action, making it obvious.

downright vicious

Highlights the brutal and aggressive nature of the action.

genuinely hateful

Stresses the strong dislike or animosity behind the action.

FAQs

How can I use "something very mean-spirited" in a sentence?

You can use "something very mean-spirited" to describe actions or comments. For example: "Her remarks about his failure were "something very mean-spirited", showing a lack of empathy."

What are some alternatives to "something very mean-spirited"?

Consider using alternatives like "utterly malicious", "quite vindictive", or "thoroughly nasty" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "something very mean-spirited" too harsh for describing minor offenses?

Yes, "something very mean-spirited" is generally suitable for describing actions with clear malicious intent. For less severe situations, consider using milder terms like "unkind" or "insensitive".

What's the difference between "something very mean-spirited" and "something unkind"?

"Something unkind" generally refers to a lack of kindness or consideration, while "something very mean-spirited" implies a deliberate intention to cause harm or distress. The latter suggests a higher degree of malice.