Hurtful Meaning
/ˈhɜːtfʊl/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjTending to impair or damage; injurious; occasioning loss or injury.
adjTending to hurt someone's feelings; insulting; lacerating.
Sentence Examples
The glaring light is hurtful to the eyes.
That was very hurtful.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her ____ comment about his appearance immediately made him cry.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Using ____ language toward others can have a very negative impact on their self-esteem.
Word Origin & History
From hurt + -ful.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"A good principle not rightly understood may prove as hurtful as a bad."
— 1649, John Milton, Eikonoklastes:
"Well-cultivated soils are often healthy; nor at present has it been proved that the use of manure is hurtful."
— 1890, George Henry Rohé, Text-book of hygiene:
"Both men and women can be emotionally abusive. Even in the healthiest relationships, people occasionally reach down into their personal bags of known remembrances, past disagreements, and unresolved issues, and fling hurtful comments at their partners."
— 2000, Michael Paymar, Violent No More:
"Better yet, maybe she should call and apologize for all of the rude comments she spewed in the midst of her anger—hurtful comments that should never be spoken between a wife and her husband."
— 2006, Ryan Phillips, Fall from Grace:
"This mentality made me an incredibly hurtful person, but I wasn't concerned with how others felt about me."
— 2012, Robin Leigh, Dear Dadd, page 38:
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her ____ comment about his appearance immediately made him cry.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Using ____ language toward others can have a very negative impact on their self-esteem.