Malevolent: meaning, definitions and examples

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malevolent

 

[ məˈlɛvələnt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

evil

Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

Synonyms

maleficent, malicious, sinister, wicked

Examples of usage

  • He had a malevolent gleam in his eye.
  • The malevolent dictator ruled the country with an iron fist.
  • She sensed the malevolent presence lurking in the shadows.
  • The malevolent spirits haunted the old house.
  • The malevolent intentions of the villain were clear.
Context #2 | Adjective

harmful

Having a harmful effect; injurious.

Synonyms

damaging, destructive, noxious, pernicious

Examples of usage

  • The malevolent influence of the drug led to addiction.
  • His malevolent actions caused harm to those around him.
  • The malevolent bacteria spread quickly through the population.
  • The malevolent impact of pollution on the environment is evident.
  • The malevolent nature of the disease made it difficult to cure.

Translations

Translations of the word "malevolent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 malévolo

🇮🇳 द्वेषपूर्ण

🇩🇪 bösartig

🇮🇩 jahat

🇺🇦 зловмисний

🇵🇱 złośliwy

🇯🇵 悪意のある

🇫🇷 malveillant

🇪🇸 malévolo

🇹🇷 kötü niyetli

🇰🇷 악의적인

🇸🇦 خبيث

🇨🇿 zlovolný

🇸🇰 zlomyseľný

🇨🇳 恶意的

🇸🇮 zlonameren

🇮🇸 illgjarnt

🇰🇿 жауыз

🇬🇪 ბოროტი

🇦🇿 bədxah

🇲🇽 malévolo

Etymology

The word 'malevolent' originates from the Latin word 'malevolens', which is derived from 'male' meaning 'bad' and 'volens' meaning 'wishing'. The concept of malevolence has been present in various cultures throughout history, often associated with evil intentions and harmful actions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,593, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.