Spitefully
/ˈspaɪt.fəl.i/noun
In a mean, malicious, or vindictive way.
Did you know?The base word *spite* entered English through Old French from a Latin root tied to contempt and mockery, so even the word itself carries a history of social sting rather than magical curse.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*spei-
“to sharpen, prick, or make pointed”
Latin
Latin
spīnum
“thorn or sharp point”
Old French
Old French
despit
“contempt, anger, or injury”
Middle English
English
spite
“malice, grudge, or ill will”
16th Century
English
spitefully
“in a malicious or vindictive manner”
Modern English
English
spitefully
“in a mean, malicious, or vindictive way”
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