World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariesmesquinho
Pronunciation / Transliteration: mezˈki.ɲu
"Achei aquela atitude muito mesquinha."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Showing malice, spite, or a lack of generosity and kindness; petty and cruel.
"Leaving a harsh note on the neighbor's door was a mean-spirited act." - 2
Narrow-minded or uncharitable in attitude or judgment.
"The committee made a mean-spirited decision to cut funding for the community youth program."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Combining the adjective 'mean' (derived from Old English 'mǣne', meaning malicious or base) with 'spirited' (from spirit, originating from Latin 'spiritus'), this compound emerged in the 18th century. It evolved from describing a lack of noble character or courage to specifically characterize malicious, small-minded, or spiteful behavior toward others.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Mean-spirited"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Mean-spirited" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
mesquin
Transliteration: mɛs.kɛ̃
"C'était un commentaire mesquin et inutile."
kleinlich
Transliteration: ˈklaɪn.lɪç
"Das war eine kleinliche Bemerkung von ihm."
meschino
Transliteration: mesˈki.no
"È stato un gesto meschino da parte sua."
mezquino
Transliteration: mezˈki.no
"Fue un comentario mezquino hacia su colega."
mesquinho
Transliteration: mezˈki.ɲu
"Achei aquela atitude muito mesquinha."
तुच्छ
Transliteration: tucch
"उसकी वह बात बहुत तुच्छ और malicious थी।"
刻薄的
Transliteration: kèbó de
"这是一个刻薄的评论。"
심술궂은
Transliteration: simsulgujeun
"그의 심술궂은 행동이 모두를 불쾌하게 했다."
意地悪な
Transliteration: ijiwaru na
"彼女の意地悪な態度はみんなを驚かせた。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all Portuguese termsA professional entertainer, such as a singer, dancer, or actor, especially one of high skill.
An operational unit in an air force consisting of two or more flights, or an armored cavalry unit.
Annoyed, bored, or disappointed after experiencing something unpleasant for too long.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Mean-spirited"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.