malevolence — the quality of having or showing a wish to do evil to others
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the quality of having or showing a wish to do evil to others
Pronunciation (IPA): /məˈlevələns/
Example Sentences
- The stepmother's malevolence made Cinderella's life miserable.
- His malevolence was so obvious that even his pet cat avoided him.
- The dictator ruled with such malevolence that flowers wilted in his presence.
malevolence
NOUN[/məˈlevələns/]
the quality of having or showing a wish to do evil to others
His malevolence was obvious as he secretly damaged his rival's bicycle.
Her malevolence hurt everyone around her. (mal- = bad, evil. Compare: malevolent = evil, malicious. benevolence = kindness, goodwill)
His malevolence led to violence, leaving the room in silence.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin malevolentia, derived from malus (bad) and velle (to wish, to want). The word literally means 'wishing harm' and originated in Classical Latin to express the concept of ill will or malice directed toward others.
Breakdown
male- (badly, evil) + vol- (to wish, to want, from Latin velle) + -ence (state or quality of). The suffix -ence converts the adjective malevolus into an abstract noun denoting the condition or quality of wishing evil.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The stepmother's malevolence made Cinderella's life miserable.”
“His malevolence was so obvious that even his pet cat avoided him.”
“The dictator ruled with such malevolence that flowers wilted in his presence.”
“She could sense the malevolence in his voice through the phone.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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