Literary notes about nefarious (AI summary)
In literature, "nefarious" is often used to describe actions or schemes with dark, sinister intentions, conjuring imagery of covert plots and moral corruption. It frequently appears in contexts where characters engage in diabolical activities—from protecting secret hideouts against underhanded plots ([1]) to the orchestration of corrupt political or criminal enterprises ([2], [3]). The term also surfaces in historical narratives and mythological retellings, heightening the impact of betrayal or conspiracy ([4], [5]), while at times serving as a dismissive adjective for ventures deemed both audacious and unethical ([6], [7]). Overall, its use enhances the aura of danger and moral dubiousness, positioning characters and their actions in stark contrast to accepted norms of justice and propriety.
- “I was going to protect our club house from any of your nefarious schemes.”
— from The Adventure Girls in the Air by Clair Blank - I call upon this House, as you value the liberty of England, not to allow this nefarious bill to pass.
— from The American Union Speaker by John D. (John Dudley) Philbrick - Nothing could be less justifiable, or, indeed, more nefarious than such removals.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - His property was all confiscated and more; he had the fiercest feeling that it was entirely unjust, nefarious in the sight of God and man.
— from On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History by Thomas Carlyle - And he to me: "That is the ancient ghost Of the nefarious Myrrha, who became Beyond all rightful love her father's lover.
— from Divine Comedy, Longfellow's Translation, Hell by Dante Alighieri - The design which Vigo abetted was nefarious, yes, sir, nefarious!
— from A Dream of EmpireOr, The House of Blennerhassett by William Henry Venable - It was doubtful if he had ever been engaged in a more nefarious scheme than he had in hand upon this particular occasion.
— from Frontier Boys in Frisco by Wyn Roosevelt
