You will realize that it is hardly possible to guess the definition and meaning of a word the first time you come across it. That is why each time you encounter a new word; you should take the time to find out what it means. When it comes to malevolent definition, meaning, and usage, avoid doing guesswork that could turn out to be an embarrassing mistake.
The definition of “malevolent” is having harmful influence. This word gets wide usage when someone shows illness towards another person. These are the type of people that show content when someone else has problems. Other words with similar meanings include evil, harmful, cruel, and poisonous.
But reading the definition of “malevolent” is not enough to make you understand the word and its meaning. That is why this article will discuss everything you need to know about “malevolent.” Keep reading to understand the new word well for easy incorporation into your conversations.
What Is the Definition of Malevolent?
“Malevolent” is showing or wishing harm to other people. That explains why “malevolent” has extensive usage when talking about malicious people. These are the type of people who want evil or harm to others.
Not everyone in life will want you to thrive or make it, and some silently or openly wish to see your downfall. Such a group is known as “malevolent.” The word best describes their nature. If you know that someone is “malevolent,” it is best to avoid them.
Example sentences:
- Mrs. Richards is a gossipy and malevolent woman.
- Since he got fired from his job, he has been malevolent towards his boss.
- Though they are sisters, they have malevolent feelings towards each other.
Is Malevolent A Negative Word?
The English language has three main categories: Positive words, negative words, and neutral words. It is vital to understand the word you’re learning by taking the time to find out its connotation. You have to consider how the word makes you feel.
When you notice that someone has a “malevolent” feeling towards you, the chance is that you will not be happy about the situation. The same case applies when you have a “malevolent” feeling towards another person, you will not feel great when you see them thriving. With that in mind, it is clear that “malevolent” is a negative word.
Synonyms and Antonyms of the Word Malevolent
Each time you learn a new word, it is vital to know the synonyms and antonyms. That will help you have a clear understanding of the word; it is a great way to expand your vocabulary and ensure that you do not make mistakes when you write and make a speech. Here is a look at the synonyms and antonyms of the word “malevolent.”
Synonyms
- Bad: Not such as to be hoped for or desired.
- Bitchy: Someone of something malicious or spiteful or critical.
- Catty: Deliberately harmful in the remarks someone makes or spiteful.
- Cruel: Willingly cursing pain and suffering to other people or not feeling concerned about it.
- Despiteful: Expressing hate or malice.
- Hateful: Full of hate or very unpleasant.
- Malicious: Intending or intended to cause harm.
- Malign: Evil in nature or effect.
- Mean: Intend to do something evil.
- Spiteful: Showing or caused by malice.
- Devious: Achieving goals by using underhand tactics.
Antonyms
- Benevolent: Well-meaning and kind.
- Friendly: Kind and pleasant.
- Good: To desire and approve of.
- Kind: Helpful in nature.
- Nice: Pleasant or which offers satisfaction.
- Pleasant: A sense of happiness and satisfaction enjoyment.
- Harness: Control something and ensure it gets used effectively.
- Amiable: Having or displaying a friendly manner.
- Liking: A feeling of regard and fondness.
- Loving: Feel or show love and great care.
What Is The Meaning Of Malevolent?
The word “malevolent” does not solely apply to people; it means anything that influences evil. It might also be something like a television show that affects those who see it as violent.
“Malevolent” is a common word that is easy to understand. The word expresses profound evil and meanness. You can talk about “malevolent” smears, deeds, film, etc.
Example sentences:
- It is not his nature to fight; I wonder what has caused him to have such malevolent behavior.
- It was the artist she listened to that made her have a malevolent character.
- Each time you go hunting with Tim, he comes back with a malevolent attitude.
How to Use Malevolent In a Sentence?
The best way to use the word “malevolent” in a sentence is by first understanding what part of a speech it is. The term “malevolent” is an adjective. You should also know the different word forms of “malevolent” to enable you to use the word in other contexts.
The Word Forms of Malevolent
Malevolence (noun): The meaning of malevolence is the state of being hateful or evil.
Example sentences:
- The type of hatred that got displayed arose from pure malevolence.
- This generation is full of people who are self-centered and full of malevolence.
- The parents loved the last born more, which leads to the other siblings having malevolence feelings towards her.
Malevolently (adverb): The meaning of malevolently is a way that causes or wants to cause harm.
Example sentences:
- When he smiled malevolently, everyone got into panic mode, not knowing what to do.
- It seems that it was the neighbor who malevolently caused the accident.
- The employee started at his boss malevolently.
It is also vital to note that “malevolent” is negative. So, each time you use this word, you will be making a negative statement. Keep this in mind when learning the word.
10 Examples of Malevolent In a Sentence
One of the simplest and easiest ways to understand a word is by reading it in various sentences. Reading the word aloud helps you have a clear understanding of the word and the multiple ways you can use it in your sentences. With that in mind, here is a look at sentences with the word “malevolent.”
- Stealing is a malevolent trait that authorities do not take as a joke.
- I have never met a malevolent human being like my cousin Jacob.
- The prince needs to justify the malevolent rumors spreading in the kingdom that he wanted to snatch the crown from his father.
- They dated for a long time before she discovered his malevolent nature.
- The investigators were willing to cover the malevolent criminals and ensure that justice was survived.
- The mother hoped that the child she was bearing would not have a malevolent attitude as the father.
- I need to discuss with you the malevolent trump I got at the entrance.
- I was present in the meeting, and the client was the one who had malevolent responses.
- I do not like associating with malevolent people lest they influence me negatively.
- Her malevolent attitude made most people not want to befriend her.
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How Do You Spell Malevolent?
The perfect spelling of the word “malevolent” is “M.A.L.E.V.O.L.E.N.T.”
The word “malevolent” has numerous misspellings, such as malevolence, malevolent, and malevolent. So, it is essential to ensure that you get the correct spelling of the word so that you do not make a mistake when writing it. That way, you will have an easy time communicating through your writing.
How Do You Pronounce Malevolent?
The pronunciation of the word “malevolent” sounds like “muh.leh.vuh.luhnt”
Make sure you learn the best way to pronounce the word; otherwise, people you are communicating with verbally might not comprehend what you are saying.
How Many Syllables Are In Malevolent?
The word “malevolent” has four syllables; these syllables are “muh.lev.uh.lit. The stressed syllable in the word is “lev.
Learning the syllables in a word helps you better know how to spell and pronounce the word. Besides, it makes it simpler to understand the word and its meaning.
History & Etymology of Malevolent
The word “malevolent” originates from the Latin word “malevolentem.” The word in the Latin language means spiteful or ill-disposed.
However, before the word got introduced in the English language, the Old French adopted the word as malevolent. In Old French, the word meant ill-disposed, spiteful, and envious. It was then introduced in English as “malevolent” and retained the same meaning of the word as that of the Old French.
When Was Malevolent First Used?
The first use of the word “malevolent” was in the 1500s.
Conclusion
It is not easy to learn a new word, it can be overwhelming, but that does not imply that it is impossible. The best way to learn a word is by understanding its definition, meaning, and the various ways you can use it in a sentence. It is also vital to ensure that you use the correct spelling and pronunciation.
That way, when you write or speak, people will understand the message that you are trying to convey. The article has discussed the word “malevolent” and the various ways to use it in a sentence. Let us know where you first heard the word “malevolent” and the various ways you plan to use this word in your writing or conversations.
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Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.