Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

vilify

/ˈvɪl.ɪ.faɪ/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.44 in modern English

Syllables: vil-i-fy
IPA: /ˈvɪl.ɪ.faɪ/

15

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

3

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To say defamatory things about someone or something; to speak ill of.

Transitive verb

verb

To belittle through speech; to put down.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

"As one of the largest producers of genetically modified (GM) seeds in the country, Monsanto has been vilified by activists who describe GM products as 'frankenfood.'"
""Those who deliberately vilify China and sabotage the friendship between our two countries and do damage to our long-term friendship and benefits out of their sectoral or selfish interest will be cast aside in history,” he said. “Their children will be ashamed of mentioning their names.""

Etymology

From Late Latin vīlificāre (“vilify”). Equivalent to vile + -ify. Compare vilipend.

Word Breakdown

Root: vīlificō

Usage

Transitive verb

Inflected Forms

vilifies (present, singular) vilifying (participle, present) vilified (participle, past) vilified (past)

Derived Forms

vilifiable vilification vilifier vilifyingly

Frequently Paired Words

vile

Synonyms

abuse assail criticize decry denigrate demonize denounce libel revile slander run down assassinate

Antonyms

glorify praise

Questions

How do you pronounce vilify?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈvɪl.ɪ.faɪ/.
What does vilify mean?: To say defamatory things about someone or something; to speak ill of.
Where does vilify come from?: From Late Latin vīlificāre (“vilify”). Equivalent to vile + -ify. Compare vilipend.

How to pronounce vilify

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “vilify”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈvɪl.ɪ.faɪ/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “vilify”.
Repeat and practice — Say “vilify” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.