Bane
Noun
Definition: A cause of great distress or annoyance.
Synonyms: Scourge, Affliction, Curse
Antonyms: Blessing, Delight, Joy
Examples:
- Pollution is the bane of modern society.
- Mosquitoes are the bane of my existence during the summer.
Mnemonics:
- "Bane" sounds similar to "pain," which can remind you of something that causes distress or annoyance.
Etymology:
Origin:
Old English 'bana', meaning "slayer" or "destroyer".
Historical Usage:The word "bane" has been used since Old English and has maintained its meaning of a cause of distress or annoyance throughout history.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Bane of someone's existence"
Explanation:This phrase means something or someone that consistently causes great annoyance or distress to a person.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing "bane" with "baneberry" or "baneful".
Explanation:While "baneberry" refers to a specific poisonous plant and "baneful" means harmful or destructive, "bane" itself refers to a general cause of distress or annoyance.