Word
vile
US/ˈvaɪɫ/
UK/vˈaɪl/
Definition
adj. extremely wicked or evil.
adj. morally base, despicable, or depraved. Often used to describe actions, crimes, or characters in a narrative context.
Examples
“The smell coming from the old fridge was absolutely vile.”
“The politician faced heavy criticism for the vile comments he made about his opponent's family.”
“The protagonist's descent into madness is mirrored by the vile conditions of the prison cell, where damp walls and rotting straw create an atmosphere of total despair.”
Examples
simple
“The smell coming from the old fridge was absolutely vile.”
contextual
“The politician faced heavy criticism for the vile comments he made about his opponent's family.”
complex
“The protagonist's descent into madness is mirrored by the vile conditions of the prison cell, where damp walls and rotting straw create an atmosphere of total despair.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “vile” in context.
Usage
Usually precedes the noun it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“Cambridge initially defended Arday as “the victim of a vile campaign” before announcing that it would conduct an internal investigation of “new information” regarding Arday, who then resigned shortly after.” “One ambulance technician from Birmingham told the union working in the heat was "vile".” Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
01. durance vile
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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