1
Core quality
Having or showing a desire to cause harm, suffering, or evil to others.
Example
The story's malevolent ruler delights in others' suffering.
malevolent
/məˈlevələnt/ · muh-LEV-uh-luntadjective
Having or showing a desire to cause harm, suffering, or evil to others.
Use malevolent to express this relationship precisely: having or showing a desire to cause harm, suffering, or evil to others.
What malevolent Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Investigators found negligence but no malevolent intent.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
A malevolent rumour was spread to provoke violence.
Use malevolent Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The story's malevolent ruler delights in others' suffering.
Investigators found negligence but no malevolent intent.
A malevolent rumour was spread to provoke violence.
Precision Matters
Malevolent overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
malevolent
vs.Means having or showing a desire to cause harm, suffering, or evil to others.
benevolent
Means well-meaning, kindly, and inclined to help others.
malevolent
vs.Means having or showing a desire to cause harm, suffering, or evil to others.
innocuous
Means harmless or unlikely to cause offence or damage.
malevolent
vs.Means having or showing a desire to cause harm, suffering, or evil to others.
vindictive
Means motivated by a strong desire to punish or hurt someone in revenge for a perceived wrong.
malevolent
vs.Means having or showing a desire to cause harm, suffering, or evil to others.
nefarious
Means wicked, immoral, or criminal.
Test malevolent in Context
The character deliberately wishes harm on other people.
1
The villain is not merely selfish but actively ___, taking pleasure in causing others pain.