ENGLISH
REFERENCE

viciously

adv.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈvɪʃəsɫi// UK //vˈɪʃəsli// vi·cious·ly

adv. in a very cruel, violent, or angry way. You use this to describe someone who attacks or treats others with great force and no mercy.

adv. in a manner characterized by extreme cruelty, violence, or malice. Often used to describe physical attacks or harsh verbal criticism.


SIMPLE

The dog barked viciously at the stranger.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician criticized his opponent viciously during the debate, making several personal attacks that were widely condemned.

COMPLEX

The storm raged viciously across the coast, tearing down ancient trees and leaving a trail of destruction that would take months to repair.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English viciously; equivalent to vicious + -ly.

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