ill nature

[/ɪl ˈneɪtʃər/]
noun
mau gênio; má índole; natureza maligna
1. a disposition to be unkind, unfriendly, or hostile; malevolent character or temperament
His ill nature made it difficult for him to maintain friendships.
Seu mau gênio tornava difícil para ele manter amizades.
2. an inclination toward cruelty or malice; meanness of spirit
The ill nature of the bully was evident in how he treated his classmates.
A má índole do valentão era evidente na forma como tratava seus colegas.
3. bad humor or irritability; a tendency to be disagreeable
She spoke with ill nature, criticizing everyone around her.
Ela falava com mau gênio, criticando todos ao seu redor.
In both American and Brazilian English, 'ill nature' is considered a somewhat formal or literary expression. It reflects traditional character descriptions and is often used in formal writing, literature, or when discussing someone's inherent personality traits. In modern casual speech, speakers typically use simpler expressions like 'being mean' or 'having a bad attitude' instead of the archaic-sounding 'ill nature.'
NYC Slang
bad vibe; mean streak; nasty attitude
Synonyms / Sinônimos
malevolencemalicecrueltymeannesshostilityunkindnessill temperbad natureviciousness
Antonyms / Antônimos
good naturekindnessbenevolencefriendlinessgentlenessamiabilitygraciousness

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mau gênio; má índole
most common usage in everyday speech
Rio de Janeiro
mau jeito; gênio ruim
colloquial variant
São Paulo
mau caráter; natureza má
more formal usage
Portugal
má índole; natureza maligna
formal and literary usage

Related Words

ill-naturedill-temperedmaliciousspitefulcantankerouschurlishpeevish

Related Idioms & Phrases

to show one's ill nature
an ill nature runs deep
born of ill nature
speak with ill nature
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