malevolence

IPA/məˈlevələns/
IPA/məˈlevələns/

malevolence — noun

1. a strong inner wish to hurt others, or the cruel intention behind harmful action

1.名詞C1
釋義

a strong inner wish to hurt others, or the cruel intention behind harmful actions

例句

Zayd sensed a quiet malevolence in the way the guard watched him.

sensed + malevolence in [someone's behaviour]

Pure malevolence drove the invader to burn the village to the ground.

malevolence + drove [someone] to [action]

同義詞
  • malice

    more active and direct; the intent behind a specific harmful act

  • spite

    pettier and more personal; often a reaction to feeling wronged

  • ill will

    milder and more everyday; can exist without any action

反義詞
  • benevolence

    the direct opposite: a deep wish to do good

  • goodwill

    a simpler, more common term for friendly feeling

用法筆記

Typically used in formal or literary contexts. Often paired with adjectives like 'pure,' 'cold,' or 'quiet' to describe the nature of the ill will.

常見錯誤

❌His malevolence actions hurt many people.
✅His malevolent actions hurt many people.
💡'malevolence' is a noun; use 'malevolent' as the adjective form.
❌The malevolence of the storm destroyed homes.
✅The violence of the storm destroyed homes.
💡'malevolence' implies deliberate ill will, not natural force.