nefarious
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- nefariously adverb
- nefariousness noun
- unnefarious adjective
- unnefariously adverb
- unnefariousness noun
Etymology
Origin of nefarious
First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin nefārius “wicked, vile,” equivalent to nefās “offense against divine or moral law” (from ne-, negative prefix + fās “law, right”) + -ius -ious
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That specifically relates to Rob, who is keeping a lot of secrets that may or may not be nefarious.
From Los Angeles Times
Siegal told the Journal that she was unaware of Epstein’s nefarious behavior.
Sometimes, one sibling feels entitled to more and will use nefarious means to get it.
From MarketWatch
While questioning former employees of Price and Richardson, Higgins sought to paint a more nefarious picture.
From Los Angeles Times
The implication is that, in addition to engaging in nefarious financial shenanigans, one of Mr. Xi’s most trusted henchmen was plotting against him.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
