Venomously

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈvɛnəməsli/

Definitions

1. In a manner characterized by malicious intent or hostility
2. In a way that expresses deep ill will or spite toward others
3. With strong harmful feelings that intend to cause emotional pain or offense

Etymology: "Venomously" is a plain formation: the adjective "venomous" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" added to it. The adjective traces back through Middle English and Old French to Latin "venenum", meaning poison or a potion, and the English adjective kept the sense of something that carries poison. Its adverbial form arrived in the Middle English period as "venymously", and the modern spelling was settled later. The word's meaning has stayed close to its physical origin. Something done venomously is done with poisonous intent, so the sense of harmful substance has moved into the sense of bitter spite. Speakers describe a remark or a look as venomous when it seems to carry the same malice a poison carries, and the adverb simply describes that manner of speaking or acting.

Synonyms: maliciously, spitefully, hostilely, bitterly, acrimoniously

Antonyms: harmlessly, innocently, kindly, gently, tenderly