Heinous

Adjective

Definition: (of a person or wrongful act) utterly odious or wicked; abominable; hateful.

Synonyms: Atrocious, Monstrous, Abhorrent

Antonyms: Commendable, Praiseworthy, Virtuous

Examples:
  • The judge sentenced the criminal to life in prison for his heinous crimes.
  • The news of the heinous murder shocked the community.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of the word "hate" within "heinous" to remember its meaning.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "heinous" can be traced back to the Latin word "heinosus", meaning atrocious or hatefully bad.

Historical Usage:

The word has been in use since the 14th century, retaining its original meaning of being extremely wicked or evil.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Heinous crime"

Explanation:

Refers to a particularly atrocious or abhorrent criminal act.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "heinous" with "harmless"

Explanation:

"Heinous" and "harmless" have opposite meanings. "Heinous" refers to something wicked or abhorrently bad, while "harmless" means not causing harm or posing a threat.

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