What is vilify? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of vilify

vilifyverb

/ˈvɪlɪfaɪ//ˈvɪlɪfaɪ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "vilify." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • vi: Pronounced like "vee" (as in "vehicle")
  • li: Pronounced like "lee" (as in "library")
  • fy: This is the trickiest part. It’s pronounced like "fī" - similar to the "fi" in "fig." It's a diphthong (a glide between two vowel sounds).

2. Putting it Together:

So, you’re aiming for: Vee-lee-fī

3. Phonetic Transcription (for the truly detail-oriented):

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /ˈvɪlɪfaɪ/

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The stress is on the last syllable: "vilify."
  • "Fī" Sound: Really focus on that "fī" sound. It’s not quite "fee" – it’s more like a quick glide from "vee" to just a little bit past "i." Think of it as "v-eye" but shortened and quickly combined.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "l": While the "l" is there, it’s a relatively short sound.

5. Listen to Examples:

To help me give you even more tailored guidance, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning English as a second language?

Usage and examples with the word vilify in English

Let's break down how to use the word "vilify" effectively. It's a powerful word with a specific meaning and connotation.

1. Definition:

"Vilify" means to speak or write about someone or something in a way that shows strong disapproval or hatred; to slander or defame. It suggests a deliberate and malicious attempt to damage someone’s reputation.

2. Key Characteristics:

  • Strongly Negative: It’s not just criticizing; it's expressing extreme disapproval.
  • Malicious Intent (Often Implied): While not always explicitly stated, "vilify" frequently suggests that the criticism is driven by spite or a desire to harm.
  • Defamatory: It implies the criticism is untrue or exaggerated and is designed to damage a person's character or standing.

3. How to Use It – Examples:

Here are some examples to illustrate how to incorporate "vilify" into your writing or speech:

  • "The politician was vilified in the media for his controversial decision." (This shows the media actively spread negative and damaging opinions about the politician.)
  • "The article sought to vilify the company's CEO, focusing on minor past mistakes." (Here, the article is portrayed as deliberately trying to ruin the CEO’s reputation.)
  • “Don’t vilify him just because he made a mistake; everyone does.” (This warns against unfairly attacking someone.)
  • "Her comments were vilified by critics as sexist and harmful." (The critics strongly condemned her words as offensive.)
  • “He didn't intend to vilify anyone, but his words were misconstrued.” (This indicates a lack of malicious intent, even if the impact was damaging.)

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings - be careful choosing the best fit):

  • Denigrate
  • Defame
  • Slander
  • Disparage
  • Criticize harshly
  • Blackmail (in a figurative sense - implying the intent to damage)
  • Condemn

5. Important Notes & Nuances:

  • Formal Tone: "Vilify" is a relatively formal word. It's more common in written English than everyday spoken English.
  • Strong Connotation: Be mindful of the strong negative connotation. Using it carelessly can make you sound unnecessarily harsh or overly dramatic.
  • Consider Alternatives: Sometimes, a less intense word like "criticize" or "condemn" might be more appropriate, depending on the context.

6. Let’s Practice:

Could you give me a sentence where you’d like to use the word “vilify”? I can help you refine it or suggest a better alternative if needed.

Synonyms for the word vilify

Practice with vocabulary vilify

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The politician's opponents tried to ________ his character by spreading baseless rumors about his past.
  2. Misinformation can ________ public trust and create unnecessary division within a community.
  3. During the heated debate, one candidate attempted to ________ her rival, portraying him as entirely corrupt and unfit for office.
  4. Critics often ________ public figures, focusing on their perceived flaws rather than their achievements.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following words describe an attempt to portray someone as wicked or evil, often with the intent to damage their reputation? A) eulogize B) endorse C) denigrate D) acclaim E) vilify F) slander

  2. When a rival brand launches a campaign to unfairly attack a competitor's reputation, they aim to ________ them. A) endorse B) disparage C) promote D) vilify E) commend F) defame

  3. It is unethical to ________ a person's character or motives without sufficient evidence, especially in a professional setting. A) uphold B) validate C) vilify D) authenticate E) support

  4. The research findings ________ the long-held assumption that the company's marketing strategy was effective. A) affirmed B) substantiated C) bolstered D) contradicted E) corroborated

  5. Effective crisis management aims to ________ the negative impact of unforeseen events on an organization's public image. A) escalate B) exacerbate C) mitigate D) amplify E) worsen

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The journalist's article was designed to present the CEO in an extremely negative light, almost as an evil figure. Rewrite using "vilify" or a related word form:

  2. Original: Despite the campaign of character assassination, the scientist continued her research undeterred. Rewrite using "vilify" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The committee decided to strongly express their disapproval of the proposed policy due to its potential negative consequences. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "vilify" or its forms):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. vilify
  2. undermine
  3. vilify
  4. denigrate

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) denigrate, E) vilify, F) slander
  2. B) disparage, D) vilify, F) defame
  3. C) vilify
  4. D) contradicted
  5. C) mitigate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The journalist's article was designed to vilify the CEO, portraying him as an evil figure.
  2. Despite the vilification campaign, the scientist continued her research undeterred.
  3. The committee decided to condemn the proposed policy due to its potential negative consequences.

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