malign
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /məˈlaɪn/
KK: /məˈlaɪn/
adjective
Definition
Having a harmful or evil nature; showing ill will or malice towards others.
Example
The malign influence of the rumors spread quickly through the community.
Conversation
Did you hear what happened at the party last night?
Yeah, I heard some people were being really malign towards others.
That's so unnecessary; why do people act that way?
I guess some just enjoy being negative and spreading malign vibes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
malevolent
wicked
noxious
Antonyms
benevolent
kind
harmless
transitive verb
Definition
To say bad things about someone or something, often making them seem worse than they really are.
Example
She was accused of maligning her former boss in order to get the job.
Tense Forms
Past: maligned
Past Participle: maligned
Conversation
I heard some people malign the new manager at work.
Really? That's surprising, I thought she was doing a good job.
Yeah, but some folks just like to gossip and malign others without reason.
Root Explanation
Malign → It is formed from "mal-" (meaning bad or evil) and "-gnus" (from Latin "gnare", meaning to know). The word "malign" means to speak harmful truths or to know something bad about someone, often with the intent to harm their reputation.
Memory Tip
Think of 'mal-' meaning bad, and remember that to malign someone is to speak badly about them.
Visually Confused Words
align
maslin
marlin
malkin
main
alin