Viciously

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a savagely cruel or violent manner, or with extreme intensity and malice
2. In a manner characterized by ferocity and malevolence, demonstrating extreme hostility or harm
3. With a brutal and aggressive intent, exhibiting intense cruelty or malice towards others

Etymology: "Viciously" is a plain formation: the adjective "vicious" with the adverbial ending "-ly" added. "Vicious" itself came into English from Latin "vitiosus," meaning "faulty" or "full of defects," from "vitium," a fault or blemish. That original sense of imperfection is still visible in the older meanings of the adjective, which described things that were flawed or corrupt before the idea of savage cruelty took over. The adverb followed the adjective into Middle English, where "viciously" was already in use. Its meaning tracks the adjective's shift from "faulty" toward "wicked" and then "savage," so the adverb describes acting in a way that is not just wrong but ferociously hostile or harmful.

Synonyms: savagely, fiercely, cruelly, maliciously, brutally

Antonyms: gently, kindly, compassionately, mildly, softly