WordCraftBY GLOBALRPH

RECALL BEFORE REVEAL

Put the meaning into your own words.

Take a moment before opening the definition. There is no timer and no penalty for needing another look.

CARD 2 OF 5

pernicious

adjective

Reveal meaning and examples

Seriously harmful, especially in a gradual or less obvious way.

Persistent rumors had a pernicious effect on trust within the group.
Dictionary practice example.
A rumor about hidden judging rules began to engender suspicion among members of a photography club. An organizer's sarcastic reply threatened to exacerbate the disagreement instead of answering it. The repeated claim had a pernicious effect on cooperation: members stopped sharing equipment because they no longer trusted one another.
From Reducing the Damage.
Full dictionary entry
Try another dictionary setOpen lesson index
Return to top