bane
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for bane, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person or thing that causes constant trouble or ruin.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use bane
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the bane of my life
bane of his existence
Etymology
From Old English bana, meaning a killer or cause of death, from a Germanic root tied to slaying — the word has softened over time from "someone's literal killer" to "someone's biggest annoyance."
Full origin of bane →Frequently asked questions
What does “bane” mean?
The word “bane” means a person or thing that causes constant trouble or ruin. In plain terms, something or someone that repeatedly causes trouble, harm, or misery.
How do you pronounce “bane”?
“Bane” is pronounced bayn (/beɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “bane” in a sentence?
Here is “bane” used in a sentence: “Traffic on the ring road is the bane of my daily commute.”
What part of speech is “bane”?
“Bane” is a noun.
Where does the word “bane” come from?
The word “bane” comes from Old English. From Old English bana, meaning a killer or cause of death, from a Germanic root tied to slaying — the word has softened over time from "someone's literal killer" to "someone's biggest annoyance.".
Is “bane” a common word?
“Bane” is an uncommon word in modern English.
