How Do You Spell SINISTER?

Pronunciation: [sˈɪnɪstə] (IPA)

Sinister is a commonly used word in the English language to describe something that is ominous or threatening. The word is pronounced as /ˈsɪnɪstər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of the word includes the silent "i" in the second syllable and the letter "s" at the beginning. The origin of the word can be traced back to Latin, where it was used to describe the left-hand side. Through various translations, the word evolved to represent negative or evil connotations, leading to its current meaning in English.

SINISTER Meaning and Definition

1. Sinister is an adjective that describes something or someone as having an evil, malevolent, or threatening nature or intent. The term often refers to actions, appearances, or circumstances that are potentially dangerous, harmful, or deceitful. It stems from the Latin word "sinister," which means "left" or "on the left side," as historically, left-handedness was considered strange or abnormal, leading to connotations of suspicion and misfortune.

   In a literal sense, sinister can describe a threatening or menacing appearance or behavior. For instance, a person with an ominous demeanor, intending harm or displaying cruel intentions, can be described as having a sinister nature. It can also be used to depict an object, symbol, or image that evokes feelings of unease or evil.

   In a figurative sense, sinister refers to things that suggest hidden danger or cause suspicion. A sinister plot implies a secret, malicious scheme, while a sinister motive suggests a concealed intention to cause harm or achieve personal gain at the expense of others. Sinister undertones in someone's language or actions can imply deception or ulterior motives.

   Overall, the term sinister encapsulates the idea of darkness, threat, and malevolence, making it an important word to describe potentially harmful or deceitful aspects of the human experience.

2. 1. Left. 2. Of evil import, of bad prognosis.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. On the left; evil; corrupt; dishonest; inauspicious; in her., denoting the left side of the escutcheon.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SINISTER *

• sinster 36.5853658%
• sinsiter 29.2682926%
• sinester 17.0731707%
• synister 4.8780487%
• sisnister 4.8780487%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SINISTER

• misnister
• simister
• ministe
• simster
• sinnister
• sisster
• sinser
• simester
• sitster
• ssister
• minisiter
• ministor
• sisnster
• siester
• senister
• semister
• miniseter
• sisiter
• ninister
• sinsister
• synster
• sisaster
• stister
• minnister
• sisister
• siister
• soister
• sinistur
• sinisteral
• filister
• pintster
• qirister
• singgster
• saniaster
• saniter
• sinistersa
• sinisterss
• sinistars
• Pingstera
• Simpster
• Sinkinser
• Sihnster
• sinistir
• sienister
• sinistor
• Gunister

Etymology of SINISTER

The word "sinister" originated from the Latin word "sinister", meaning "left" or "on the left side". In ancient Rome, left-handedness was considered unusual and often associated with evil or ill fortune. Over time, the negative connotations associated with "sinister" extended beyond the left side and came to signify anything unfavorable, threatening, or morally wrong.

Idioms with the word SINISTER

• bar sinister The idiom "bar sinister" refers to a mark resembling a diagonal line drawn from the top left to the bottom right on a heraldic shield, traditionally indicating illegitimacy or dishonor. In a figurative sense, it is used to describe something or someone as being marked by suspicion, disgrace, or a tainted reputation.

Similar spelling words for SINISTER

• sinistral,
• sinistrorse.