Malevolent

Pronunciation: /məˈlɛvələnt/

Definitions of malevolent

adjective having or showing a wish to do evil to others

Example Sentences

A1 The malevolent witch cast a spell on the princess.

A2 The malevolent glare from the stranger made me uneasy.

B1 The malevolent intentions of the villain were finally revealed.

B2 The malevolent dictator ruled with an iron fist, instilling fear in his subjects.

C1 The malevolent actions of the corporation led to widespread environmental damage.

C2 The malevolent spirit haunted the old mansion, causing terror among the residents.

Examples of malevolent in a Sentence

formal The malevolent intentions of the dictator were evident in his oppressive policies.

informal I don't trust that guy, he gives off a malevolent vibe.

slang Watch out for that dude, he's straight up malevolent.

figurative The storm clouds gathered in a malevolent manner, as if nature itself was angry.

Grammatical Forms of malevolent

• past tense: malevolently
• plural: malevolents
• comparative: more malevolent
• superlative: most malevolent
• present tense: malevolents
• future tense: will malevolent
• perfect tense: has malevolent
• continuous tense: is malevolently
• singular: malevolent
• positive degree: malevolent
• infinitive: to malevolent
• gerund: malevolencing
• participle: malevolented

Origin and Evolution of malevolent

First Known Use: 1500 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'malevolent' originated from the Latin word 'malevolens' which is derived from 'male' meaning 'bad' and 'volens' meaning 'wishing'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe someone who wished harm or evil upon others, the word 'malevolent' has evolved to also encompass a general sense of ill will or malicious intent.