evil

The word “evil” means deeply immoral and cruel; deliberately intending to cause harm. In plain terms, deeply bad or wicked — either describing a person/act (adjective) or wrongdoing itself (noun).

“Evil” is pronounced EE-vuhl (/ˈiːvəl/ in IPA).

Here is “evil” used in a sentence: “The story's villain is a genuinely evil character with no redeeming qualities.”

Words with a similar meaning to “evil” include nefarious, malicious, malevolent, wicked, abandoned and arrant.

The opposite of “evil” — its antonyms — are good, angelic, benign, good-minded and just.

Depending on how it is used, “evil” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “evil” comes from Old English. From Old English yfel, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch euvel and German übel, all meaning "bad" or "evil.".

“Evil” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Bad is a broad, everyday word for anything unpleasant, poor in quality, or mildly wrong. Evil is far stronger, reserved for deep, deliberate cruelty and a genuine intent to cause harm. A bad decision is simply unwise, whereas an evil act is morally monstrous and knowingly hurtful. Evil implies conscious malice.

Both describe serious wrongdoing, and they overlap heavily. Evil suggests the deepest possible immorality and a will to cause harm. Wicked is slightly lighter and can even be playful, as in 'a wicked grin.' Evil is rarely used lightly, while wicked sometimes carries mischief rather than true malice.

The clearest opposite of evil is good — moral, kind, and acting to help rather than harm. Other antonyms include virtuous, benevolent, and righteous, all describing character or actions guided by decency. Where evil intends cruelty, good intends care, making the two a fundamental moral contrast.

Yes — evil is one of the strongest moral condemnations in English. It goes well beyond 'wrong' or 'bad,' implying deliberate, deep-seated cruelty. Because it carries such weight, careful writers reserve it for the gravest wrongdoing rather than everyday faults, so that the word keeps its full force.