vindictive
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “vindictive” mean?
adjective.having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts involving interpersonal conflict, revenge, or moral dilemmas. It emphasizes an intense, often irrational desire for retribution, distinguishing it from similar words like "resentful," which may indicate bitterness without the active pursuit of revenge.
Common Confusions
Vindictive implies a strong desire for revenge, while resentful usually suggests lingering bitterness without the active pursuit of retribution.
Do not choose vindictive if the context emphasizes forgiveness or understanding rather than a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge.
Example Sentences
-
Her vindictive response to the criticism surprised everyone.
Word Parts: How to Remember “vindictive”
Break “vindictive” into its parts: -vind- (claim, avenge). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
-
Root:
-vind-claim, avenge (Latin)