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  1. etymology - Origin of “vicious circle” and “vicious cycle” - English ...

    10 What are the earliest known uses of vicious circle, in its two senses, and vicious cycle? And can we tell anything of what motivated the variant vicious cycle? Merriam-Webster and …

  2. Synonym for vicious circle but without the negative flavour

    Aug 31, 2016 · 4 The positive complement of a vicious circle is a virtuous circle The terms virtuous circle and vicious circle (also referred to as virtuous cycle and vicious cycle) refer to …

  3. Is "vicious cycle" or "downward spiral" used properly here?

    "Downward spiral" and "vicious cycle" are both used to described degeneration of some sort, but there is a slight difference in meaning. A "vicious cycle" is defined as " one trouble leads to …

  4. Word for a cycle where the cause is made worse by the effect

    Dec 19, 2018 · Personally, I prefer "downward spiral" over "vicious cycle" in this case, since the inclusion of "downward" illustrates that this is not just a system at equilibrium, but one which is …

  5. single word requests - A good term for something that sustains …

    Jan 25, 2015 · The opposite of a vicious cycle is often called a virtuous circle or cycle. From Merriam Webster virtuous circle: A condition in which a favorable circumstance or result gives …

  6. Looking for a word (best describes) that means breaking a loop

    Apr 20, 2020 · Before settling on the verb, you might consider the more standard expression ‘VICIOUS cycle’. That being said, Greybeard’s is the common verb to use.

  7. Is there a term/phrase for a vicious cycle of overcorrection?

    Mar 10, 2016 · More specifically, you might use the phrase pathological perfectionism to describe a vicious cycle of overcorrection, as this would involve perfectionism to the point of being …

  8. Illustrating "vicious", "rapacious", "ferocious" and "voracious"

    May 21, 2020 · Of the four words, I would split them into two groups of synonyms: voracious and rapacious; and ferocious and vicious. I will give you my personal connotations for these words, …

  9. synonyms - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange

    Nov 18, 2018 · " virtuous cycle " - This is a little different in connotation, but coneys a similar meaning. It emphasizes this cycle being self-reinforcing and having a positive, enriching …

  10. What does 'straighten sombody out' mean? - English Language

    Dec 30, 2015 · In your case, the idiom is more literal: Foster children frequently wind up in a vicious cycle of drugs and crime in America-- statistically as a result of the nature of the foster …