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Pernicious Definition & Meaning

pernicious
adjective
  1. exceedingly harmful
  2. working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way; "glaucoma is an insidious disease"; "a subtle poison"

Usage tips for "pernicious"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "pernicious" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for pernicious to find words that pair well.

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Frequently asked questions

What does pernicious mean?
exceedingly harmful working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way; "glaucoma is an insidious disease"; "a subtle poison"
What part of speech is pernicious?
Pernicious is an adjective.
How many definitions does pernicious have?
Pernicious has 2 definitions across 1 part of speech (adjective).

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