spiteful character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spiteful character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is malicious or vindictive in their behavior or personality. Example: "Her spiteful character made it difficult for her to maintain friendships, as she often sought to undermine those around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The last trick, the ultimate strategy, is, when you see that your opponent is winning, to 'become personal', to 'leave the subject altogether and turn your attack to his person by remarks of an offensive and spiteful character'.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"She is nervous," Joseph Heller writes, as the main character Bob Slocum, "spiteful, embittered and vindictive" behind her "thin-lipped smile of calculating villainy... she must continue to agitate, like some dark and moody burrowing creature with a drive to undermine and destroy".

Independent

Interestingly, all of Leigh's first three popular series included spiteful children among their characters and appeared to subvert the wholesome format of the rival BBC's Watch with Mother productions.

Independent

That I read it and found the parables manipulative, the actions of the character known as "God" petty, spiteful and vengeful -- and the book contained some of the most misanthropic, misogynistic, hateful attitudes and platitudes imaginable -- is neither here nor there for the purpose of this short essay.

Huffington Post

But she spoils her case by sounding spiteful.

The Economist

"Death With Interruptions" also has a surprise for a title character; death is nicely conceived by Saramago as a spiteful female shape-shifter who takes a shine to a cellist she can't seem to finish off.

The New York Times - Books

As in Apatow's last picture, "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," the cream of the gags go to supporting players; characters like Alison's unhappy sister (Leslie Mann) and the spiteful colleague (Kristen Wiig) at the TV studio where she works land the sharpest blows.

The New Yorker

As in Apatow's last picture, "The 40 Year Old Virgin," the cream of the gags go to supporting players; characters like Alison's unhappy sister (Leslie Mann) or the spiteful colleague (Kristen Wiig) at the TV studio where she works land the sharpest blows.

The New Yorker

The only thing that is consistent about the characters Davis plays is that, to varying degrees, they tend to be spiteful, cruel and heartlessly rude.

The Guardian

Beloved by Toni Morrison "Not a house in the country ain't packed to its rafters with some dead Negro's grief," one of the characters points out, when Sethe, the novel's protagonist, suggests fleeing from the spiteful spirit inhabiting her home.

The Guardian - Books

Uhura is the most important character in "Star Trek"; Holmes and Watson are lovers; Morgan le Fay isn't a spiteful witch, she's a feminist priestess.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing fictional characters, use the phrase "spiteful character" to effectively convey a sense of deep-seated resentment and a desire to inflict harm. This adds depth and complexity to the character's motivations and actions.

Common error

Avoid having characters constantly label others as a "spiteful character" in dialogue. Instead, show their spitefulness through actions, interactions, and subtle behaviors for a more compelling and believable portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spiteful character" functions as a noun phrase, where "spiteful" modifies "character". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, effectively describing a person with malicious or vindictive traits.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

14%

Books

14%

Less common in

Film

3%

TV & Radio

3%

Sport

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spiteful character" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe someone with malicious or vindictive tendencies. As per Ludwig, it is deemed correct and appropriate for use in writing. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, primarily within news, media, and literary analysis, indicating its relevance in both fictional and real-world descriptions. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it inherently carries a negative connotation, serving to effectively convey a critical assessment of an individual's traits. To enhance your writing, aim to subtly reveal spitefulness through actions rather than explicitly labeling characters, and consider alternatives like "malicious individual" or "vindictive personality" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malicious individual

Replaces "spiteful" with "malicious", emphasizing the intent to cause harm.

vindictive personality

Focuses on a personality driven by revenge and holding grudges.

mean-spirited person

Focuses on the lack of kindness and empathy in the individual.

resentful nature

Highlights the underlying bitterness and resentment as the core trait.

bitter disposition

Emphasizes the sour and unhappy temperament of the person.

callous figure

Highlights the lack of compassion or sensitivity towards others.

vengeful type

Emphasizes the tendency to seek revenge for perceived wrongs.

acrimonious soul

Emphasizes the bitterness and sharpness of the person's spirit.

rancorous individual

Highlights the deep-seated animosity and ill will.

malevolent presence

Focuses on the actively harmful and evil influence of the person.

FAQs

How can I effectively portray a "spiteful character" in writing?

Show, don't tell. Instead of explicitly stating that a character is spiteful, demonstrate their spiteful behavior through their actions, dialogue, and interactions with other characters. This creates a more nuanced and engaging portrayal.

What are some alternative ways to describe a "spiteful character"?

You can use alternatives such as "malicious individual", "vindictive personality", or "resentful nature", depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "spiteful character" in a sentence?

Yes, "spiteful character" is grammatically correct and functions as a descriptive phrase, combining the adjective "spiteful" with the noun "character".

What distinguishes a "spiteful character" from a merely angry or frustrated one?

A "spiteful character" goes beyond simple anger or frustration, actively seeking to inflict harm or discomfort on others out of resentment or ill will. Their actions are driven by a desire for revenge or to undermine those they perceive as having wronged them.