vice
English meaning: Vice
Definition
An immoral or bad habit, or wickedness in general. It is the opposite of virtue and can refer to minor weaknesses too.
Example
“Gambling was his one serious vice, and it slowly drained the family's hard-earned savings.”
Another example: “Smoking was his only real vice, and even that he eventually gave up.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A formal-to-neutral noun used in ethics and law; means immoral conduct or a bad habit, and in 'vice squad' refers to crimes like gambling or prostitution. Often paired with 'virtue'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old French 'vice', from Latin 'vitium' (fault, defect).
Synonyms
- wickedness
- immorality
- sin
- failing
Antonyms / Opposites
Related Words
- sin
- immorality
- corruption
- temptation
- virtue
Common Collocations
- vice and virtue
- vice squad
- minor vice
- indulge a vice
- den of vice
Word Forms
vice (n); vicious (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B