Definition

The quality of wishing to do evil or harm to others.

Example

His malevolence was evident in the way he plotted against his rivals.

Conversation

Did you hear about that new movie everyone's talking about?

Yeah, I heard it has some real themes of malevolence in it.

It sounds like it could be pretty intense if that's true.

For sure! Movies that explore malevolence can really make you think.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Malevolence → It is formed from "male-" (from Latin "malus", meaning bad or evil) and "volens" (from Latin, meaning wishing or willing). The word "malevolence" describes a wish or desire to do evil or harm to others.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bad' ('male-') and 'wishing' ('volens') to remember that malevolence means a desire to do harm.

Visually Confused Words