What is revenge? Pronunciation and usage in English

revenge means . Learn how to pronounce and use revenge through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of revenge

revengenoun

/rɪˈvendʒ//rɪˈvendʒ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "revenge." It’s a tricky one for many English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /rɪˈvɛndʒ/

Let’s break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ri - Pronounced like “ree” - as in “tree.” It’s a short, quick "ee" sound.

  2. ˈven - This is the tricky part! This syllable is stressed. It sounds like "veh-” (like the beginning of "vehicle") - followed by a very short “n” sound. Don't pronounce the "v" strongly. It’s almost like a ‘w’ sound.

  3. dge - Pronounced like "j" (as in "judge") – a soft, quick “j” sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Emphasis: Make sure you stress the second syllable ("ˈven"). That’s the key to getting the rhythm right.
  • The "v" sound: Don’t overemphasize the "v" sound. It’s almost a “w.”
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are a few online resources:

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  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
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Usage and examples with the word revenge in English

Let's break down how to use the word "revenge" in English. It's a powerful word with a complex history, so it’s important to understand its nuances.

1. Basic Definition:

  • Revenge means to inflict harm or suffering on someone as retribution for a wrong they have done to you. It's about getting even.

2. Parts of Speech & How it's Used:

  • Noun: This is the most common usage.
    • "He sought revenge for his father's death."
    • "The play explores the theme of revenge and its destructive consequences."
    • "She plotted her revenge carefully."
  • Verb: This is less common, but it means to inflict revenge.
    • “He threatened to revenge himself on his former employer.” (meaning: to inflict harm upon)
    • “They revenged the attack with swift retaliation.” (meaning: they inflicted revenge)

3. Different Types of Revenge and Associated Words:

  • Just Revenge (Retributive Justice): This refers to revenge that is seen as deserved and proportionate to the original offense. It’s often associated with a sense of fairness or upholding the law.
    • "Believing in just revenge is a complex moral question."
  • Vengeful: Describes someone who wants revenge or is prone to seeking it.
    • “He’s a deeply vengeful man; you have to be careful around him.”
  • Bitter Revenge: Revenge fueled by intense anger and resentment.
    • “Her bitter revenge was to expose his deception to the world.”
  • Sweet Revenge: Revenge that is particularly satisfying, often because it's unexpected or particularly impactful.
    • "It was a moment of sweet revenge when she finally humiliated him."
  • Delayed Revenge: Revenge that isn't carried out immediately but is planned over a long period.
    • “He waited years to exact his delayed revenge.”

4. Phrases & Idioms:

  • To take revenge on someone: (Most common) "He took revenge on his bully."
  • To get revenge on someone: (Similar to 'take revenge') “She’s determined to get revenge on those who wronged her.”
  • Eye for an eye: (Proverb) This illustrates the idea of just revenge – that the punishment should be equivalent to the crime. “It’s a case of eye for an eye; he burned down her house, so she burned down his.”
  • A thirst for revenge: Describes someone consumed by a desire for revenge.

5. Important Considerations & Ethical Implications:

  • Morality: Seeking revenge is often viewed negatively because it perpetuates a cycle of violence and doesn't truly heal. It’s usually considered morally wrong.
  • Consequences: Revenge can have unintended and often negative consequences for the person seeking it.
  • Alternatives: Often, moving on, forgiving, or seeking justice through legal channels are considered more productive and healthier approaches.

Example Sentences (Combining Concepts):

  • "After being fired, he sought just revenge by exposing the company’s unethical practices."
  • “She plotted a bitter revenge against her ex-husband, carefully planning her every move.”
  • “He was known as a vengeful person, always harboring a deep resentment for those who had slighted him.”

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What context are you thinking about when you want to use the word "revenge"? (e.g., a story, a conversation, an essay?)

Synonyms for the word revenge

Practice with vocabulary revenge

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After years of planning, the disgraced executive finally enacted his carefully orchestrated ___________ against those who had conspired to remove him from the board.
  2. The tribunal ordered significant financial ___________ to the victims for the damages they suffered during the conflict.
  3. Driven by a powerful urge for ___________, the protagonist dedicated his life to bringing down the corrupt organization that had ruined his family.
  4. The company issued a public statement offering a full ___________ of the previous decision, citing new evidence that had come to light.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions might be motivated by a desire for ___________? a) Pursuing legal action to reclaim stolen property. b) Spreading rumors about a former colleague who sabotaged your promotion. c) Offering an olive branch to an estranged business partner. d) Deliberately undermining a rival company's product launch after they poached your top talent.

  2. When facing a professional setback due to someone else's error, a constructive approach might involve seeking: a) Reconciliation b) Retribution c) Resolution d) Vengeance

  3. The politician vowed to take ___________ on his opponents for their smear campaign, promising to expose their own past misdeeds. a) retribution b) revenge c) vindication d) justice

  4. A company's official statement following a product recall should primarily aim for: a) Defiance b) Transparency c) Reparation d) Rectification

  5. The novel explores themes of betrayal and the protagonist's burning desire for ___________ against the antagonist who murdered his family. a) absolution b) redemption c) revenge d) amnesty

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: He promised to get back at his former business partners for their deceitful actions. Rewrite (using "revenge" or related word forms):

  2. Original: The legal team aimed to provide adequate payment and compensation to all individuals affected by the scandal. Rewrite (not using "revenge"):

  3. Original: The defeated general was filled with a powerful longing to get even with his enemies and restore his army's honor. Rewrite (using "revenge" or related word forms):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. revenge
  2. compensation
  3. revenge
  4. reversal

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Spreading rumors about a former colleague who sabotaged your promotion. d) Deliberately undermining a rival company's product launch after they poached your top talent.
  2. a) Reconciliation c) Resolution
  3. b) revenge
  4. b) Transparency c) Reparation d) Rectification
  5. c) revenge

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He promised to take revenge on his former business partners for their deceitful actions.
  2. The legal team aimed to provide adequate restitution to all individuals affected by the scandal.
  3. The defeated general was filled with a powerful longing to avenge his fallen comrades and restore his army's honor.

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