pernicious

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/pəˈnɪʃ.əs/
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Very harmful, especially in a gradual or hard-to-notice way.
Practice using pernicious in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Their silence allowed a pernicious practice to continue.
  • She challenged the pernicious stereotype.
  • A pernicious myth shaped the policy.
  • The habit can have pernicious long-term effects.
  • The rumour had a pernicious effect on trust.

Similar words

damaging
destructive
insidious

Meanings

Seriously damaging

adjective
harm
formal
Describes an influence, idea, or practice that causes substantial harm, often subtly.

Examples

  • The rumour had a pernicious effect on trust.
  • A pernicious myth shaped the policy.
  • She challenged the pernicious stereotype.
  • The habit can have pernicious long-term effects.
  • Their silence allowed a pernicious practice to continue.

Similar words

damaging
destructive
insidious

Etymology

From Latin perniciosus, destructive, based on pernicies, ruin.

FAQ

What does pernicious mean?

Pernicious means very harmful, often subtly.

When is pernicious used?

It often describes an influence, myth, stereotype, or practice.

How does pernicious differ from harmful?

Harmful is broad; pernicious suggests serious, sometimes gradual damage.

How is pernicious used in a sentence?

A pernicious myth shaped the policy.

Is pernicious formal?

Yes, it is formal.

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