Definition

The quality of being harmful or threatening; a feeling or expression of evil or danger.

Example

The balefulness of his glare made everyone uneasy.

Conversation

Did you notice the balefulness in his expression during the meeting?

Yeah, it was really unsettling; I couldn't figure out why he seemed so angry.

I wonder if something happened before that made him feel that way.

Maybe, but that kind of balefulness usually means there's more to the story.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Balefulness → It is formed from "bale" (from Old English *bælg*, meaning evil or harm) and "-ful" (meaning full of) and "-ness" (meaning the state of). The word "balefulness" refers to the state of being full of harm or evil.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bale' meaning harm, and when something is 'full of' that harm ('-ful'), it creates a state of being harmful ('-ness'). This helps you remember that balefulness means the state of being harmful or evil.

Visually Confused Words