World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesMalevolent
/məˈlɛv.ə.lənt/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Having or showing a desire to cause harm to another person.
"He cast a malevolent glance across the room at his rival." - 2
Having a harmful or evil effect, often used in a literary or atmospheric context.
"A malevolent fog seemed to roll over the desolate moorland."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Latin adjective malevolentem, formed from male (meaning 'badly' or 'ill') and volentem (present participle of velle, meaning 'to wish'). It entered the English language in the late 15th century, retaining its core classical sense of wishing evil or harm to others.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Malevolent"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Malevolent" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
malveillant
Transliteration: /mal.vɛ.jɑ̃/
"Il avait un regard malveillant envers ses ennemis."
böswillig
Transliteration: /ˈbøːsˌvɪlɪç/
"Sie warf ihm einen böswilligen Blick zu."
malevolo
Transliteration: /maˈlɛ.vo.lo/
"Il suo piano malevolo fu scoperto in tempo."
malevolo
Transliteration: /maˈle.βo.lo/
Script: malévolo
"El villano tenía una sonrisa malévola."
malevolente
Transliteration: /ma.le.voˈlẽ.tʃi/
"A sua intenção era claramente malevolente."
द्वेषपूर्ण
Transliteration: dvesh-purna
"उसकी आँखों में एक द्वेषपूर्ण चमक थी।"
恶毒的
Transliteration: èdú de
"他用恶毒的目光看着大家。"
악의적인
Transliteration: ag-ui-jeog-in
"그는 악의적인 시선으로 나를 바라보았다."
悪意ある
Transliteration: akui aru
"彼女は悪意ある噂を広めた。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsPlacing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
The cold temperature or biting quality of the air characteristic of winter.
To walk with difficulty, typically because of physical injury or stiffness in the legs or feet.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Malevolent"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.