malevolence

/mə'levələns/

Thân thiện

A dark figure watches from the shadows with an expression of pure malevolence.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or state of having or showing a wish to do evil to others; intense ill will or hatred. It refers to a deep-seated, often vicious, desire to see others suffer harm or misfortune.
   • The quality of being threatening or harmful. It can describe an atmosphere, feeling, or intention that is menacing or evil.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • His eyes were full of pure malevolence. (This describes the intense ill will visible in his expression.)
  • The dictator ruled with a chilling malevolence. (This describes the evil, harmful quality of his rule.)
  • She could sense the malevolence behind his seemingly kind words. (This describes the hidden harmful intention.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "with malevolence": in a manner showing ill will.
  • He glared at his rival with undisguised malevolence.
• "sheer/pure malevolence": used to emphasize the intensity and unmixed nature of the evil intent.
  • The act was motivated by sheer malevolence, not gain.

Variants and Related Words

• Malevolent (adj): having or showing a wish to do evil to others.
  • He gave a malevolent smile.
• Malevolently (adv): in a malevolent manner.
  • She malevolently sabotaged his project.

Synonyms

• Malice: the intention or desire to do evil; ill will.
• Spite: a desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone.
• Malignity: extreme ill will or a desire to cause severe harm.
• Hatred: intense dislike or ill will.

Antonyms

• Benevolence: the quality of being well-meaning; kindness.
• Goodwill: friendly, helpful, or cooperative feelings or attitude.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To bear malevolence towards someone: to hold a lasting feeling of ill will against someone.
  • Even years later, he bore malevolence towards those who had wronged him.
• An act of malevolence: an action performed with the primary intent to cause harm.
  • Spreading such vicious rumors was a clear act of malevolence.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the quality of threatening evil
2. wishing evil to others

Từ đồng nghĩa

• malevolency
• malice
• malignity