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Malevolence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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malevolence

[məˈlɛvələns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

The quality or state of being malevolent; malice; ill will; malice.

Synonyms

ill will, malice, spite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
malevolence

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.
malice

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.
ill will

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.
spite

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.

Examples of usage

  • He could feel the malevolence in the room as soon as he walked in.
  • Her eyes burned with malevolence as she plotted her revenge.
Context #2 | Noun

action

The quality, state, or feeling of wishing evil or harm to others; ill will; malice.

Synonyms

evil intent, malice, spite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
malevolence

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.
malice

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.
evil intent

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.
spite

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.

Examples of usage

  • His malevolence towards his coworkers was evident in his actions.
  • The village was haunted by the malevolence of the witch.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that malevolence can stem from feelings of inadequacy or unresolved issues.
  • People exhibiting malevolent behavior often reveal deeper insecurities or past traumas.
  • Psychological studies link malevolence to antisocial personality traits in various behavioral patterns.

Literature

  • Malevolent characters often drive conflict in stories, serving as antagonists or sources of tension.
  • Classic literature features figures like Shylock in 'The Merchant of Venice', who demonstrates complex motives behind seemingly malevolent actions.
  • In poetry and prose, malevolence can symbolize broader themes of human nature and moral dilemmas.

Pop Culture

  • Many films use malevolence as a key trait for villains, such as Voldemort in the 'Harry Potter' series.
  • In video games, players often encounter malevolent forces, such as evil wizards or rogue machines, that serve as challenges to the hero.
  • In television series, characters like Walter White in 'Breaking Bad' explore the layers of malevolence behind their choices.

Ethics

  • Debates around malevolence often touch on moral philosophy, questioning the intentions behind actions.
  • In ethical discussions, the concept challenges us to examine the impact of our desires on others' well-being.
  • Discussing malevolence in ethics highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in human interactions.

Origin of 'malevolence'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'malevolentia', which means 'ill will'.
  • The prefix 'male-' means 'bad' or 'evil', while '-volence' is related to 'volo', meaning 'I wish' or 'I want'.
  • It first appeared in English in the late 15th century, reflecting a time when expressions of ill will were noted.

The word 'malevolence' originated from the Latin word 'malevolentia', which is derived from 'male' meaning 'bad' and 'volens' meaning 'wishing'. The concept of malevolence has been present throughout history, often associated with dark forces or evil intentions. It has been explored in literature, philosophy, and psychology as a negative aspect of human nature.

See also: malevolently.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,142, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.