Pernicious vs Vicious - What's the difference?

As adjectives the difference between pernicious and vicious

is that pernicious is causing much harm in a subtle way while vicious is pertaining to vice; characterised by immorality or depravity.

(en adjective)

Causing much harm in a subtle way.

* 1911 , ,

Puritanism no longer employs the thumbscrew and lash; but it still has a most pernicious hold on the minds and feelings of the American people.

Causing death or injury; deadly.

* (l)

* perniciousness * perniciously

* (obsolete)

(en-adj)

Pertaining to vice; characterised by immorality or depravity.

*, Folio Society, 2006, vol.1, p.195:

*:We may so seize on vertue, that if we embrace it with an over-greedy and violent desire, it may become vicious .

Evil, immoral or depraved.

Violent, destructive and cruel.

Savage and aggressive.

* vicious circle