LESSER EVIL Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "lesser evil" refers to a situation or choice where neither option is desirable or ideal, but one option is considered to be less unfavorable or harmful than the other. It is often used to indicate a decision made when faced with limited or unfavorable alternatives. The concept acknowledges that in some situations, making a choice between two undesirable options may be necessary in order to minimize the negative consequences or harm.
The term "lesser evil" is frequently employed in moral dilemmas or ethical debates, where individuals may strive to determine the best course of action in an imperfect world. In such cases, the focus is on evaluating and selecting the option that is perceived to cause the least harm or possess a lower level of negative consequences, despite not being an ideal or entirely satisfactory choice.
The concept is subjective and open to interpretation, as what constitutes a "lesser evil" can vary depending on individual perspectives, values, or cultural contexts. It is often associated with compromise and pragmatism rather than an enthusiastic endorsement of the selected option. The idea of a lesser evil acknowledges the reality that perfect solutions may not always be achievable, forcing individuals to navigate and make difficult decisions in the face of imperfect conditions.
Etymology of LESSER EVIL
The word "lesser" comes from the Old English "læssra" which means "smaller, inferior in size or degree". The word "evil" comes from the Old English "yfel" or "efel" which means "bad, wicked, morally wrong". The combination of "lesser" and "evil" forms the phrase "lesser evil", which refers to a choice between two options where both are undesirable, but one is considered to be less harmful or negative than the other. The etymology of this phrase suggests that it has been in use for many centuries, reflecting the human notion of weighing options and selecting the lesser of two evils.
Idioms with the word LESSER EVIL
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the lesser evil
The idiom "the lesser evil" refers to a situation where there are two or more options, all of which are undesirable or problematic, but one is considered to be less harmful or damaging than the others. It typically involves making a difficult decision between two bad choices, with the chosen option being the one perceived to have the least negative consequences.
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the lesser evil (or the lesser of two evils)
The phrase "the lesser evil" or "the lesser of two evils" refers to a situation where a decision must be made between two undesirable options, with one option being less harmful, damaging, or immoral than the other. It is a common saying used to describe choosing the option that is perceived as being less bad or harmful than the alternative.
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lesser evil
"Lesser evil" refers to a situation where both available options are unfavorable or undesirable, but one is considered to be not as bad as the other. It involves choosing the option that is perceived to be the least harmful or damaging in a given scenario.
