sinister
Translation
sinister, menacing, evil
Examples
He had a sinister look on his face.
He had a sinister look on his face.
There was a sinister silence in the old house.
There was a sinister silence in the old house.
Grammar Patterns
((sinister + noun)) describing something as evil or threatening. He has a sinister plan.
Similar Words
Synonyms: evil, menacing, ominous, threatening; Antonyms: good, benevolent, auspicious
Etymology
From Latin 'sinister' meaning 'left' or 'on the left side'. In ancient Rome, omens seen on the left were considered unlucky, hence the meaning 'ominous'.
Memory Tips
Think of a villain in a movie, often shown in shadows with a 'sinister' smile. The 'sin' part can remind you of evil.