pernicious
Pernicious (adj) means causing harm gradually or in a way that is not immediately obvious. Example: “Low-level corruption can have a pernicious effect on public trust.”
How to use pernicious
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHarmful in a slow, sneaky way that isn't obvious at first.
Pernicious anemia is a fixed medical term (a vitamin B12 deficiency disease) — it doesn't mean the anemia is "sneaky," just that the name is historic.
Word forms
more pernicious comparative, more pernicious comparative, most pernicious superlative, most pernicious superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Low-level corruption can have a _____ effect on public trust.
Etymology
From Latin perniciosus ("destructive"), from pernicies ("ruin, death").
Rhymes for pernicious
See all rhymes for pernicious →Frequently asked questions
What does “pernicious” mean?
The word “pernicious” means causing harm gradually or in a way that is not immediately obvious. In plain terms, harmful in a slow, sneaky way that isn't obvious at first.
How do you pronounce “pernicious”?
“Pernicious” is pronounced puh-NIH-shuhs (/pɚˈnɪʃəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “pernicious” in a sentence?
Here is “pernicious” used in a sentence: “Low-level corruption can have a pernicious effect on public trust.”
What part of speech is “pernicious”?
“Pernicious” is an adjective.
Where does the word “pernicious” come from?
The word “pernicious” comes from Latin. From Latin perniciosus ("destructive"), from pernicies ("ruin, death").
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