Now Reading: Word of the Day: Insidious means hidden danger
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Word of the Day: Insidious means hidden danger
Mathrubhumi's Word of the Day on August 9 defines 'insidious' as something harmful that develops gradually and subtly, often unnoticed until it causes serious damage. The word comes from the Latin 'insidiosus',…
The Story in Brief
Mathrubhumi's Word of the Day on August 9 defines 'insidious' as something harmful that develops gradually and subtly, often unnoticed until it causes serious damage. The word comes from the Latin 'insidiosus', meaning cunning or deceitful, and traces back to 'insidiae' (an ambush).
The feature notes that 'insidious' is frequently used in discussions about health, social problems, misinformation, and technology, where dangers appear harmless at first. It is also the title of a 2010 horror film. Examples from literature include Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds'.
The Indian Opinion
The word 'insidious' is often weaponised in public debate, with both sides calling the other's influence 'insidious' without specific evidence. This cheapens the term's precise meaning, gradual, hidden harm, and fuels polarisation. When a politician or editorial uses the word, demand concrete examples of the slow damage they claim. Is the harm actually subtle and persistent, or is it just a label for something they dislike?
Source: english.mathrubhumi.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
