Definition

1. 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

1. feeling a need to see others suffer