Spite refers to a strong feeling of resentment, bitterness, or ill will toward someone, often leading to deliberate actions intended to annoy, harm, or upset them. It is driven by a desire for revenge or to make someone else feel bad, even at the cost of one’s own well-being. In Indonesian, “spite” can be translated as “kedengkian,” “dendam kecil,” or “rasa tidak suka yang disengaja.”
Synonyms of “Spite”:
- Malice (niat jahat)
- Bitterness (kepahitan perasaan)
- Rancor (dendam berkepanjangan)
- Resentment (kedongkolan/dendam)
- Hostility (permusuhan)
- Vindictiveness (sifat pendendam)
- Animosity (permusuhan atau kebencian)
- Ill will (niat buruk)
- Contempt (penghinaan)
- Pettiness (sikap kekanak-kanakan dalam membalas dendam)
Example Sentences Using “Spite”:
- He refused to apologize purely out of spite.
- She spread rumors about him in spite, hoping to damage his reputation.
- Even though he disliked his boss, he worked hard just to prove a point out of spite.
- The decision to exclude her from the team was made out of spite.
- His actions were driven by spite rather than logic.
- She ignored his messages in spite, knowing it would upset him.
- Out of spite, he deliberately parked in his neighbor’s usual spot.
- He rejected their offer out of spite, even though it was beneficial.
- Spite only causes more conflict and unhappiness.
- The siblings played harmless pranks on each other out of spite.
Related Words:
- Grudge (dendam yang tersimpan lama)
- Enmity (permusuhan yang mendalam)
- Hatred (kebencian)
- Jealousy (kecemburuan)
- Pettiness (sikap kekanak-kanakan dalam membalas dendam)
- Revenge (balas dendam)
- Fury (kemarahan besar)
- Contempt (penghinaan)
- Wickedness (kejahatan)
- Cruelty (kekejaman)
Antonyms of “Spite”:
- Kindness (kebaikan)
- Forgiveness (pengampunan)
- Compassion (belas kasih)
- Generosity (kedermawanan)
- Goodwill (itikad baik)
- Love (cinta)
- Sympathy (simpati)
- Understanding (pengertian)
- Friendliness (keramahan)
- Tolerance (toleransi)
Phrasal Verbs Related to “Spite”:
- Act out of – To do something motivated by spite (“She refused to help him out of spite.”)
- Get back at – To take revenge in a petty way (“He spread rumors to get back at her out of spite.”)
- Hold against – To continue resenting someone (“She still holds his mistake against him out of spite.”)
- Rub it in – To remind someone of their failure to cause spite (“She kept rubbing in his loss out of spite.”)
- Take it out on – To express anger at someone even if they are not responsible (“He took his frustration out on his friend out of spite.”)
Idiomatic Expressions Related to “Spite”:
- “Cut off one’s nose to spite one’s face” – To harm oneself in an attempt to harm someone else.
- “A thorn in one’s side” – Someone or something that causes persistent irritation.
- “Throwing shade” – Subtly insulting or mocking someone out of spite.
- “Adding fuel to the fire” – Making a conflict worse by acting out of spite.
- “Petty revenge” – A small, unnecessary act done purely out of spite.
How to Overcome Spite
If you struggle with spite or deal with someone who acts spitefully, here are some ways to handle it:
- Recognize the emotion – Understand that acting out of spite only leads to more negativity.
- Practice self-control – Avoid reacting impulsively when feeling spiteful.
- Forgive and move on – Letting go of past grievances reduces the urge for spiteful actions.
- Focus on positive interactions – Being kind and mature can help neutralize spiteful behaviors.
- Communicate openly – Express concerns honestly rather than through spiteful actions.
Conclusion
Spite is a negative emotion driven by resentment, bitterness, or a desire to hurt others, often in petty ways. While it may provide temporary satisfaction, it usually leads to more conflict, negativity, and regret. Choosing forgiveness, kindness, and self-control can help break the cycle of spite and create healthier relationships.
