maliciousness
/mə'liʃəsnis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The quality or state of being malicious; the desire or intention to cause harm, suffering, or distress to others. It refers to a deep-seated ill will or spitefulness.
Usage
- The word "maliciousness" is an uncountable noun used to describe a person's character, intent, or the nature of an action. It is a formal term often found in legal, psychological, or literary contexts to denote deliberate cruelty.
Examples
- The maliciousness of the online comments was shocking.
- His actions were driven by pure maliciousness, not by accident.
- The court considered the maliciousness of the fraud when determining the sentence.
Advanced Usage
- "With maliciousness": Describes an action performed with the intent to harm.
- He spread the rumor with deliberate maliciousness.
- "Sheer/Pure maliciousness": Emphasizes that an action is motivated by nothing other than the desire to cause harm.
- The vandalism was an act of sheer maliciousness.
Variants and Related Words
- Malicious (adj): Having or showing a desire to cause harm to someone.
- He was accused of making malicious statements.
- Malice (n): The intention or desire to do evil or cause injury to another person. (Note: "Malice" is very close in meaning but is often used in specific legal phrases like "malice aforethought.")
- She bore him no malice.
Synonyms
- Spite: A desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone.
- Malevolence: The state or condition of being malevolent, having or showing a wish to do evil to others.
- Vindictiveness: A strong or unreasoning desire for revenge.
Antonyms
- Benevolence: The quality of being well-meaning; kindness.
- Goodwill: Friendly, helpful, or cooperative feelings or attitude.
Noun
- feeling a need to see others suffer