Harmful

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈhɑːrmfəl/

Definitions

• Causing or likely to cause harm or injury.
• Having a negative impact on health, well-being, or the environment.

Usage Examples

• "The chemicals in the air are harmful to your health."
• "Smoking is widely recognized as harmful to the lungs."

Etymology

From Middle English harm (damage, injury) + the suffix -ful, meaning 'full of'.

Synonyms

Damaging, injurious, dangerous, toxic, deleterious

Antonyms

Beneficial, helpful, harmless, advantageous

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈhɑːmfʊl/
• American English: /ˈhɑːrmfəl/

Historical Usage

The term "harmful" has been used in English since the late 14th century, typically to describe actions or substances that caused damage or injury. It has often appeared in legal, medical, and environmental contexts.

Cultural Nuances

In modern discourse, "harmful" is a widely used term in public health, law, and environmental protection, often associated with the dangers of pollutants, unhealthy behaviors, or dangerous practices. Its usage implies a sense of caution and the need for preventive measures.

More Information

"Harmful" is a key term in discussions related to public safety, environmental conservation, and medicine. Its importance lies in identifying substances, behaviors, or conditions that endanger health and safety. The term often calls for regulatory actions to mitigate risks and protect well-being.