Pernicious Meaning and Definition
Pernicious
Pronunciation
/ˈpərnɪʃəs/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Pernicious refers to something that is having a profoundly harmful or corrupting influence on someone or something.
Examples
1. “The company’s business practices have had a pernicious impact on the environment.”
2. “His manipulative behavior had a pernicious effect on his relationships.”
Synonyms
1. Damaging
2. Deleterious
3. Corrupting
Antonyms
1. Beneficial
2. Uplifting
3. Positive
The word ‘Pernicious’ originated from the Latin word ‘perniciosus’, meaning ‘full of ruin or destruction’, which is derived from ‘per’ (through) and ‘nocere’ (to harm).
Additional Information
The term ‘pernicious’ is often used to describe something that has a long-lasting and deep impact on someone or something, causing harm that is difficult to reverse. Pernicious effects can be seen in various areas of life, such as environmental degradation, social inequality, and personal relationships. Understanding the concept of pernicious is crucial in making informed decisions and taking action to mitigate its effects.
In academia, the concept of pernicious is used to describe the long-term consequences of certain actions or phenomena. For instance, the pernicious effects of climate change or the pernicious influence of social media on mental health.
In law, pernicious is used to describe something that is so corrupting or destructive that it undermines the fabric of society. For instance, the pernicious effects of organized crime or corruption.
In everyday life, the term pernicious is often used to describe something that has a profoundly negative impact, such as a pernicious speech or a pernicious rumor.
Usage Notes
The word ‘pernicious’ is often used in formal writing, academic contexts, and in professional settings where a strong sense of seriousness and gravity is required.
It is less common in casual conversation, but can be used in formal letters, reports, and other written communication where a nuanced understanding of complex concepts is necessary.
When using the word ‘pernicious’, it is essential to consider the context and audience to avoid misusing it or coming across as overly dramatic.
Cultural References
The term ‘pernicious’ has been used in various cultural references, including literature and music.
In John Steinbeck’s novel ‘Grapes of Wrath’, the protagonist Tom Joad refers to the pernicious effects of capitalism on the working class.
In the song ‘Pernicious’ by the band The Hold Steady, the lyrics describe the pernicious effects of the music industry on the minds of young people.
Both of these examples demonstrate the use of the word ‘pernicious’ in a cultural context to convey the profound impact of a particular phenomenon or force on society.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. ‘Pernicious influence’
2. ‘A force with pernicious effects’
3. ‘Pernicious habits’
Collocations
1. ‘Pernicious effects’
2. ‘A pernicious impact’
3. ‘Pernicious influence’
Frequency of Use
The word ‘pernicious’ is relatively rare in everyday conversation, but it is used more frequently in formal writing and academic contexts.
According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word ‘pernicious’ appears in around 0.05% of written texts, indicating its relatively limited usage.
Common Misspellings
1. ‘Perncious’
2. ‘Pernicous’
3. ‘Perincious’