Understanding Insidious and Invidious

Difference Between “Insidious” and “Invidious”

These two words, insidious and invidious, look a little alike, but they mean different things. I will help you understand them with a simple lesson.

History

Insidious comes from the Latin word insidiosus, which means “deceitful”. Invidious comes from the Latin word invidiosus, which means “envious”.

How to Use Them

Insidious means something harmful that works in a slow or secret way. It can be tricky and sneaky.

• The disease was insidious because it did not show symptoms at first.
• An insidious plan was made to trick the king.
• The virus has an insidious way of spreading.
• The thief had an insidious way to steal things without being seen.
• The spy used an insidious method to gather information.

Invidious means something that causes anger or envy. It makes people feel very upset or jealous.

• It was an invidious comparison that made everyone uncomfortable.
• She was given an invidious task that made others jealous.
• The decision caused an invidious reaction among the team members.
• His sudden promotion was seen as invidious by his coworkers.
• The comment was invidious and hurt many feelings.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of insidious as a sneaky way something bad happens. Think of invidious as something that envy causes people to feel bad.

Summary

Insidious means sneaky, harmful, and secret. Invidious means causing anger, envy, or jealousy. Remembering these tricks will help you use these words correctly.