Malevolence: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe deep, enduring hatred and desire to cause harm. It suggests a strong, persistent wish for bad things to happen to someone.

• His malevolence towards his enemies knew no bounds.
• The malevolence in her voice was unmistakable.

Indicates a desire to harm others intentionally, often used in legal contexts to describe harmful intent. It conveys a level of premeditated evil or spite.

• He acted with malice when he spread those rumors.
• The defendant was accused of malice aforethought.

Used for general negative feelings or hostility towards someone. Less intense than 'malevolence', it indicates underlying animosity but not necessarily a desire to cause significant harm.

• She harbored no ill will despite their disagreement.
• There was ill will between the two neighbors after the property dispute.

Typically used to describe petty, vindictive actions intended to hurt or annoy someone. It often implies actions driven by small-minded or trivial grievances.

• She destroyed his notes out of spite.
• John refused to help them out of pure spite.

Used to describe a deep-rooted, often hidden, ill will or hatred towards someone or something. It often implies a long-term, scheming behavior.

• The malevolence in his eyes was unnerving.
• Her actions were driven by pure malevolence.

Denotes a desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another person. It's often used in legal language but also in everyday life to describe harmful intent.

• She spread rumors out of sheer malice.
• The lawyer argued that his client acted without malice.

Refers to a premeditated plan or desire to cause harm, pain, or distress. It's commonly used in legal or formal contexts.

• The court found evidence of evil intent.
• He acted with evil intent when he sabotaged the project.

Describes a petty or small-minded desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone. It's more personal and suggests a trivial or vindictive motive.

• She told the secret out of spite.
• He was ignored out of pure spite.