Malice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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malice

[ˈmælɪs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

The intention or desire to do evil; ill will.

Synonyms

animosity, malevolence, malignity, spite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
malice	Malice is used to describe the intention to harm someone or inflict suffering. It is commonly used in legal contexts or serious discussions. His actions were guided by pure malice. The court determined that she acted with malice.
spite	Spite refers to a petty desire to annoy or hurt someone. It is often used in everyday situations with a more negative connotation. She broke his toy out of spite. He didn't invite her to the party out of spite.
malignity	Malignity is used to describe something that is deeply and actively harmful or malicious. It is often used in literature or descriptive contexts. The malignity of his nature was revealed through his actions. The disease's malignity made it hard to treat.
malevolence	Malevolence is the state of having or showing a desire to cause harm to others. This word can be used in both general and formal contexts. She couldn't hide the malevolence in her eyes. The villain's malevolence knows no bounds.
animosity	Animosity refers to a strong feeling of dislike or hatred. It is often used to describe relationships or conflicts between people or groups. There has always been animosity between those two families. Despite their animosity, they managed to work together on the project.

Examples of usage

She bore no malice toward him.
There was a hint of malice in his tone.
Their rivalry was filled with malice and hatred.
His words were dripping with malice.
The malice in her eyes was unmistakable.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

law

Wrongful intention, especially as increasing the guilt of certain offenses.

Synonyms

intent, malignancy, motive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
malice	Use 'malice' when talking about a strong desire to harm someone or something; it often implies intentional harm and is common in legal and emotional contexts. His words were filled with malice, intending to deeply hurt her feelings. The prosecution needs to prove that the defendant acted with malice.
intent	Use 'intent' when describing a person's purpose or goal in a neutral way. It can be good or bad depending on the situation. She acted with good intent, even though the outcome was unfavorable. The police are trying to determine the suspect's intent in the case.
motive	Use 'motive' when discussing the reason behind someone's actions, particularly in criminal investigations or psychological analysis. The detective is still searching for a motive for the crime. Understanding the motive behind his actions can help us defuse the situation.
malignancy	Use 'malignancy' primarily in medical contexts to refer to the presence of cancerous cells. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something very harmful. The biopsy showed a malignancy that needs immediate treatment. Her words had a malignancy that poisoned the entire conversation.

Examples of usage

The prosecution failed to prove malice in the defendant's actions.
The crime was committed with malice aforethought.

Translations

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

Origin of 'malice'

The word 'malice' originated from the Latin 'malitia', which means 'badness' or 'wickedness'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the concept of ill will or wrongful intention. The notion of malice has been explored in various philosophical and legal contexts, highlighting the complexities of human motivations and actions.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,720 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8717 intensified
8718 contiguous
8719 submerged
8720 malice
8721 tomato
8722 morphological
8723 repay
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