Word
sinister
Phoneticssin·is·ter, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɪnɪstɝ/
UK/sˈɪnɪstɐ/
Definitions
01evil or threatening
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. giving the impression that something evil or harmful is happening or will happen.
adj. suggesting or threatening evil, harm, or trouble. Often used to describe an atmosphere, a person's expression, or a mysterious event.
“There was a sinister figure standing in the shadows at the end of the street.”
“The abandoned mansion had a sinister atmosphere that discouraged even the most curious teenagers from approaching its gates after dark.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02heraldry / left side
C2 · Proficiency Technical · Archaic
adj. relating to the left side of a shield or coat of arms.
adj. pertaining to the left side of a heraldic shield from the perspective of the bearer, which appears as the right side to the observer.
Español:siniestro
“The knight's shield featured a red stripe on the sinister side.”
“The genealogist noted a bend sinister on the family crest, a traditional heraldic mark often associated with illegitimate lineage.”
Usage
In heraldry, 'sinister' is the opposite of 'dexter'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03dishonest or corrupt
C1 · Advanced Literary · Formal
adj. dishonest or sneaky in a way that is hard to see.
adj. characterised by deviousness, dishonesty, or underhanded motives. This sense is less about physical threat and more about moral corruption.
“The politician had a sinister plan to win the election by cheating.”
“The investigation uncovered a sinister plot to embezzle funds from the charity through a series of complex offshore accounts.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Did Lindsay Clancy kill kids over mental health or something more sinister?” Etymology
From Middle English sinistre (“unlucky”), from Old French senestre, sinistre (“left”), from Latin sinister (“left hand”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. bar sinister
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/sinister
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0