Noun (feminine)
/venˈɡenθa/ (in Castilian Spanish) or /venˈɡenʲsa/ (in Latin American Spanish)
The word venganza primarily refers to the act of inflicting harm in return for an injury or wrong suffered, or seeking personal justice. In both general and legal contexts, it encompasses the notion of retribution and can reflect both personal sentiments and broader societal issues.
Frequency of Use: The word venganza is used frequently in both spoken and written Spanish, particularly in literary contexts, discussions about morality, justice, and personal relationships.
Revenge is never a good way to resolve conflicts.
La historia está llena de ejemplos de venganza que solo llevaron a más violencia.
History is full of examples of revenge that only led to more violence.
Al final, su venganza no le trajo la paz que tanto deseaba.
The term venganza is often used in idiomatic expressions that reflect its connotations:
The desire for revenge led him to take the law into his own hands.
"La venganza es un plato que se sirve frío" (revenge is a dish best served cold) suggests that revenge may be more satisfying if delayed.
She always believed that revenge is a dish best served cold.
"Buscar venganza" (to seek revenge) expresses the act of actively looking for ways to retaliate.
The word venganza comes from the Latin vindicta, which means "vengeance" or "punishment." It relates to the verb vengare, which means "to avenge."
Synonyms: - retribución (retribution) - desquite (settling the score) - venganza personal (personal revenge)
Antonyms: - perdón (forgiveness) - reconciliación (reconciliation) - comprensión (understanding)
In conclusion, the term venganza holds significant weight in both general language and legal discourse, often carrying emotional and moral implications. The examples illustrate its versatility, usage in idioms, and the balance between vengeance and forgiveness in human interactions.