YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

malevolent

Adjective

IPA /məˈlevələnt/

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Meaning in plain English

Wanting other people to suffer or be harmed, or showing that harmful intention through words, looks or actions.

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Pronunciation

malevolent/məˈlevələnt/

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A character wants someone else to suffer
They plan a harmful action
Their intention is deliberately cruel

Malevolent describes the wish to harm, rather than an accidental bad result.

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The villain's malevolent smile frightened my little brother during the film.
The novel contrasts a malevolent ruler with a generous village leader.

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The villain's ________ smile frightened my little brother during the film.

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malevolent — Wanting other people to suffer or be harmed, or showing that harmful intention through words, looks or actions.

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Wanting other people to suffer or be harmed, or showing that harmful intention through words, looks or actions.

Compare: The villain's malevolent smile frightened my little brother during the film.

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Word origin

From Latin malevolent-, combining elements meaning badly and wishing.

Did you know?

Malevolent describes harmful intent; benevolent describes a wish to do good.

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