malevolent
muh-LEV-uh-lunt
/məˈlev.əl.ənt/
Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.
Describes a deep-seated desire to cause harm, often carrying a dark, sinister tone.
The story behind the word. Combines Latin 'malus' (bad or evil) with 'velle' (to wish or will). Literally translating to 'wishing evil', it has historically described spirits, villians, or minds consumed by harm.
Word relationships
- malicious: Malicious often applies to specific harmful actions; malevolent describes a pervasive evil disposition.
- baleful: Baleful emphasizes ominous or deadly qualities.
- benevolent: Well-meaning and kindly disposed toward others.
- benign: Gentle and harmless in nature or effect.
Commonly confused with
- benevolent: Benevolent means wishing good, while malevolent means wishing evil.
Word family
- malevolently (adverb): In a malevolent manner.
- malevolence (noun): The state or quality of wishing evil to others.
Collocations
- malevolent intent
- malevolent glare
- malevolent influence
Idioms & expressions
- harbor ill will
Example sentences
- "The villagers believed a malevolent force haunted the dark woods beyond the ridge." Gothic literature
- "The security team detected malevolent software engineered to disrupt financial transactions." Corporate reporting
Memory hook
Malevolent = MAL (bad) + VOLENT (wishing/will, like voluntary). Wishing bad things. Mal (bad) + Volent (wishing) = Wishing evil.
When not to use
Do not use for careless mistakes or accidental harm where ill intent is absent.
Fun facts
- The antonym benevolent replaces 'mal-' with 'bene-' (good), meaning 'wishing good'.
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