WordUpWordup

Dastardly

usgb/ˈdæstərdli/Volume
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LampPro Tip 1/3
Negative ConnotationPlay
Use 'dastardly' to describe actions that are considered morally bad or evil by most people. SlideThe villain's dastardly scheme involved kidnapping the hero's sidekick.
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Sneaky ImplicationPlay
'Dastardly' implies that the action was done in a sneaky or treacherous way, not just openly mean. SlideHe was fired for his dastardly manipulation of the company's finances.
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Old-Fashioned TonePlay
Although 'dastardly' is marked as modern usage, it may sound old-fashioned, resembling language from classic literature or films. SlideThe detective revealed the dastardly culprit with a flourish.