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CARD 3 OF 3

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.

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