vile
/ˈvi.le/
The Italian word vile means vile (morally low).
Meaning: morally low (noun)
Which one should you use?
While vile describes being morally low, you might use Detestabile to convey a sense of strong dislike or revulsion or Riprovevole to emphasize that something is reprehensible or blameworthy. For a more colloquial way to describe something repulsive, the informal term Schifoso or Schifosa is used.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈvi.le/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, vile is frequently used as a synonym for 'cowardly' rather than just 'evil'. Calling someone vile often implies they lack the courage to face a challenge or stand by their words.
- The word vile shares an ancient root with the English word 'value', because it originally meant something so 'cheap' or 'worthless' that it lacked any moral worth.
- In classical Italian literature and opera, vile is a frequent insult used to shame characters for betraying their honor or fleeing from battle.
Examples in context
- Che comportamento vile!What vile behavior!This example shows how to use vile to describe behavior.Tatoeba #11444025 by Guybrush88, translation #36112 by CM
- Il suo comportamento è detestabile.His behavior is vile.
- Ho mangiato un cibo schifoso.I ate some vile food.
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are discussing a coworker's betrayal.
- FrancescoHa mentito a tutti per ottenere la promozione.He lied to everyone to get the promotion.
- MartinaÈ un comportamento vile, Francesco.It is vile behavior, Francesco.
- FrancescoNon merita la nostra fiducia.He does not deserve our trust.
- MartinaHai ragione, è davvero un uomo vile.You are right, he is truly a vile man.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vile, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
