hurtful

Part of Speech: Adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈhɜːrtfʊl/

Definitions:

• Causing pain, distress, or emotional suffering; harmful or injurious.
• Having a tendency to hurt or offend others, particularly through words or actions.

Usage Examples:

• His hurtful comments made her cry for hours.
• The hurtful remarks from her colleagues left her feeling isolated and upset.
• It was a hurtful experience, but she eventually learned to move on from it.

Etymology:

The word "hurtful" comes from the verb "hurt," which originates from Middle English "herten," meaning "to injure." The suffix "-ful" indicates "full of" or "having the qualities of." The term has been in use since the 16th century to describe actions or words that cause harm or pain.

Synonyms:

• Harmful
• Offensive
• Insulting
• Painful
• Wounding
• Mean

Antonyms:

• Kind
• Compassionate
• Gentle
• Healing
• Comforting
• Supportive

Translations:

Regional Pronunciation Variations:

The word "hurtful" is generally pronounced the same across English-speaking regions, though accents may slightly alter the "r" sound. In certain British accents, the "r" may be softer, while in American English, it is often pronounced more strongly.

Historical Usage:

The term "hurtful" has been used since the 16th century to describe actions or words that cause pain or emotional injury. Its usage in literature increased significantly during the Victorian era, when the consequences of emotional harm became more publicly acknowledged.

Cultural Nuances:

In many cultures, "hurtful" is associated not only with physical pain but also with emotional or psychological harm. While the word is frequently used to describe verbal insults or actions, it can also refer to actions that cause distress in relationships and social contexts. The cultural sensitivity to what is considered hurtful varies greatly across societies.

More Information:

"Hurtful" is a term that encompasses both intentional and unintentional actions that cause harm to others, particularly through words or actions. It can refer to physical injury but is more commonly used in the context of emotional or psychological damage. The word is used widely in both everyday speech and legal contexts, especially when discussing the consequences of offensive behavior.