Insidious and invidious

The difference between insidious and invidious

invidious versus insidious — After the leader made invidious remarks, the gang launched an insidious plot to seize power.

insidious

Insidious means treacherous or crafty.

He took power insidiously.
It was an insidious plot.

invidious

Invidious means likely to give offence.

He made invidious remarks.
It was an invidious comparison.

One letter separates these two words, but they come from different Latin words.

Insidious derives from the Latin word for ambush, and invidious from a word meaning envy.

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