Words / C2

p-uh-NISH-uh-s/pəˈnɪʃəs/

Pernicious means harmful in a slow, spreading, often quiet way — an idea, a rumour, a habit. Choose it instead of harmful when the damage creeps. In speech really damaging or poisonous (of ideas) is plainer; pernicious is for serious analysis.

Meaning

Harmful, especially in a slow or spreading way.

Examples

• “A pernicious rumour damaged the school’s name.”
• “A pernicious myth about “natural” ability still circulates.”
• “Damp had a pernicious effect on the collection.”

Good to know

Slowly destructive. Everyday: damaging / poisonous (ideas).

New