What does viler mean?
Viler is the comparative form of vile, an adjective meaning evil, wicked, contemptible, or loathsome. It is used to say that someone or something is worse in a morally objectionable or particularly offensive way: a speech may be viler than an earlier one, or a place may become viler as pollution increases. The word has a strongly negative connotation and is more common in literary, formal, or deliberately emphatic writing than in everyday neutral speech. Viler can characterize conduct, language, conditions, or objects, but it often implies a comparison with an earlier or lesser degree of badness. Although dictionaries generally classify it as an adjective, it may also be used without an accompanying modifying adverb, especially in phrases such as “behaved viler.” Its comparative form is useful when expressing disapproval and making clear that an already bad situation or action has become worse.
adjectiveThe comparative degree of vile: more evil, wicked, contemptible, or loathsome.
- More vile; more evil, wicked, contemptible, or loathsome.
"He made the argument even viler by attacking her character instead of addressing the issue."
"His second offence was viler than the first because it deliberately targeted a vulnerable witness."
"The river grew viler as factories continued to discharge waste upstream."
In “viler,” the already negative adjective vile takes one more step downhill.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does viler come from?
Viler is formed by adding the comparative suffix -er to vile, with the stress pattern typical of English comparatives. Vile entered Middle English from Anglo-French vile, ultimately from Latin vilis, meaning cheap, base, or worthless. The same Latin root underlies related words such as villain, vilify, and vility, while vileness is an English derivative of vile.
Related word forms
How viler is actually used
Usually literary and strongly condemnatory. It is especially effective when making a direct comparison between two bad actions, qualities, or conditions.