vicioso (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Adjective

Phonetic Transcription

/viˈθjoso/ (in Spain) or /biˈsjo.so/ (in Latin America)

Translation Options into English

• Vicious
• Vile
• Addicted (in a specific context related to habits)

Meaning and Usage in Spanish

The word "vicioso" primarily refers to something that is vicious or malevolent. It can also denote a person who engages in immoral or degenerate activities, particularly in the context of addictive habits (e.g., drugs, gambling). "Vicioso" is commonly utilized in both oral and written contexts, but it appears more frequently in formal and legal discussions, as well as in colloquial speech when referencing bad habits.

Example Sentences

1. "El perro era vicioso y atacaba a todo el mundo."

2. "The dog was vicious and attacked everyone."

3. "No quiero caer en un círculo vicioso de deudas."

4. "I don’t want to get caught in a vicious cycle of debt."

5. "Su comportamiento vicioso lo llevó a perder el respeto de sus amigos."

6. "His vicious behavior led him to lose the respect of his friends."

Idiomatic Expressions

"Vicioso" is often used in various idiomatic expressions in the Spanish language. Here are a few examples:

1. "Círculo vicioso"
2. Refers to a situation in which a problem causes further issues in a repetitive cycle.

3. Example: "Estamos atrapados en un círculo vicioso de pobreza."

   • "We are trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty."

4. "Mente viciosa"

5. Denotes a mindset or thinking that is corrupted or perverted.

6. Example: "Esa película solo estimula una mente viciosa."

   • "That movie only stimulates a vicious mind."

7. "Vicioso por naturaleza"

8. Used to describe someone who is inherently inclined towards bad habits or immoral behavior.
9. Example: "Aunque intentó cambiar, siempre ha sido vicioso por naturaleza."
   • "Although he tried to change, he has always been vicious by nature."

Etymology

The word "vicioso" originates from the Latin "viciosus," which means "full of faults, defective," derived from "vitium," meaning "fault" or "vice." The progression of the term reflects its connotation of moral or behavioral shortcomings.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Malvado (wicked) - Dañino (harmful) - Adicto (addicted, in the context of habits)

Antonyms: - Virtuoso (virtuous) - Benigno (benign) - Saludable (healthy)