Vice

Definition

A moral fault or failing.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /vaɪs/
• Respelling: vys

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /vaɪs/
• Respelling: vys

In both American and British English, "vice" is pronounced with a long "y" sound as in "my," followed by a "s" sound. The pronunciation is essentially the same in both versions of English, represented by the respelling "vys." This reflects the simple, single-syllable structure of the word with a clear, long vowel sound.

Etymology

Derived from Old French "vice", meaning "fault, sin", which came from Latin "vitium", meaning "fault, defect, offense".

Derivatives

• Vice-like
• Vices
• Viceful
• Viceless
• Vice-ridden

Synonyms

• Sin
• Fault
• Failing

Antonyms

• Virtue
• Merit
• Strength

Usage

• "Excessive drinking was his primary vice."
• "Many consider honesty to be the opposite of vice."

Related Terms

• Immorality
• Corruption
• Depravity
• Wickedness
• Transgression

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Moral Failing or Weakness: An immoral or wicked behavior or characteristic.
• Example: "Greed and envy are considered classic vices."

• A Specific Type of Fault: A specific type or category of moral wrongdoing.
• Example: "Gambling became a vice he couldn't escape from."

• A Tool: A mechanical device with jaws used to hold an object in place.
• Example: "He secured the wood in the vice before sawing it."

• Subordinate Officer: An officer in an institution or society who is below the president in rank.
• Example: "The vice president will take over in the president's absence."