nefarious
|ne/far/i/ous|
C1
🇺🇸
/nəˈfɛriəs/
🇬🇧
/nɪˈfeəriəs/
wickedness
Etymology
Etymology Information
'nefarious' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'nefarius,' where 'ne-' meant 'not' and 'fas' meant 'divine law.'
Historical Evolution
'nefarius' transformed into the English word 'nefarious' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'against divine law,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'wicked or criminal.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Last updated: 2025/02/07 01:26