What is malevolent? Pronunciation and usage in English

malevolent means . Learn how to pronounce and use malevolent through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of malevolent

malevolentadjective

/məˈlevələnt//məˈlevələnt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "malevolent." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown, with phonetic approximations and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Closest to how a native speaker would say it):

  • ˈmeɪ.lɪ.və.nənt (American English)
  • məˈlevə.nənt (British English)

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈmeɪ: Like the word "may." The 'ˈ' symbol indicates the stressed syllable.
  • lɪ: Like the word "little."
  • və: Rhymes with "ever." (Short 'e' sound)
  • nənt: Sounds like "nent" – a combination of a nasal 'n' and a slightly reduced 't' sound.

2. Syllable Breakdown & Sound Tips:

  • Stress: The first syllable ("meɪ") is the stressed syllable. This means it’s spoken louder and longer.
  • “Male”: This part is close to “may.”
  • “volent”: This is the trickiest part.
    • "vo" sounds like "vo" as in "vote" (but a little shorter and less emphasized).
    • “lent”: This is where the nasal sound comes in. You want the air to come out through your nose slightly as you say "lent." It’s not a full nasal "n" like in "noon," but a subtle vibration. Think of it as a ‘n’ sound softened by the nasal passage.
  • “-ent”: This is simply the "-ent" ending, pronounced like "ent" as in "went."

3. Putting it Together (Slowly):

  1. Meɪ (stress this syllable)
  2. lɪ
  3. və
  4. nənt

4. Resources for Hearing it:

Key Tip for the "volent" part: Focus on that slight nasal resonance. Don’t overdo it, but be aware that it’s there.

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Usage and examples with the word malevolent in English

Let's break down how to use the word "malevolent" effectively in English. It's a powerful word with a specific nuance, so it's important to use it correctly.

1. Definition:

  • Malevolent means having or showing a wish to do evil; ill-will. It describes someone or something that deliberately intends to cause harm, suffering, or distress. It’s about intent – the desire to do bad things.

2. Parts of Speech & How it Works:

  • Adjective: This is the most common way you’ll use “malevolent.” It describes a person, creature, or thing.
    • Example: "The malevolent spirit haunted the old house."
    • Example: "He radiated a malevolent stare."

3. Key Characteristics & Associations:

  • Intentionality: Crucially, “malevolent” implies deliberate ill will. Someone who is simply grumpy or bad-tempered isn't malevolent; they're just having a bad day.
  • Darkness & Evil: It’s frequently associated with dark, wicked, or demonic forces.
  • Psychological Depth: Malevolence suggests a sinister motivation – it’s not just about actions, but the underlying reason behind them.

4. Examples in Sentences (Demonstrating Different Uses):

  • Describing a Character: "The villain in the story was profoundly malevolent, driven by a thirst for revenge."
  • Describing a Feeling: "A malevolent feeling crept into her heart as she heard the news."
  • Describing an Atmosphere: “The forest was filled with a malevolent silence, broken only by the wind.”
  • Describing a Creature/Force: “The dragon’s eyes burned with a malevolent glow.”
  • More Abstract (though less common): "Despite his outward charm, there was a malevolent undercurrent to his personality." (Here, it suggests a hidden, dark nature.)

5. Words it’s Often Compared To (and why they're different):

  • Evil: “Malevolent” is more specific than "evil." “Evil” is a broader term for wickedness; “malevolent” focuses on the intent to do evil.
  • Bad: “Malevolent” is much stronger than “bad.” “Bad” is simply undesirable; “malevolent” implies a deliberate desire to cause harm.
  • Nefarious: “Nefarious” is similar but often applies to criminal or illegal acts. "Malevolent" can encompass a wider range of malicious intentions – not just those that break the law.

6. Things to Avoid:

  • Overuse: “Malevolent” is a strong word. Don't use it for every slightly unpleasant character. Reserve it for genuinely sinister figures and intentions.
  • Using it lightheartedly: It’s a serious word, so avoid using it in a casual or humorous context.

Resources for Further Exploration:

Do you want me to:

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  • Explain how “malevolent” is used in a specific context (e.g., literature, psychology)?

Synonyms for the word malevolent

Practice with vocabulary malevolent

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's actions, initially appearing philanthropic, were later revealed to stem from a deeply ___________ intent to exploit local resources.
  2. Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks, she struggled to maintain her usual ___________.
  3. Some critics argued that the new policy was not merely misguided but driven by a truly ___________ desire to disadvantage marginalized communities.
  4. Despite the team's best efforts, the project faced several ___________ obstacles that delayed its completion.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The dictator's regime was characterized by its ___________ policies aimed at suppressing dissent and persecuting minorities. A) benevolent B) malevolent C) indifferent D) pragmatic

  2. The rumors circulating about the CEO's schemes were deeply ___________ and aimed at damaging his reputation. A) malicious B) malevolent C) constructive D) benign E) spiteful

  3. There was a ___________ glint in his eyes as he described his plan for revenge. A) whimsical B) malevolent C) enigmatic D) jovial

  4. The company's decision to downsize was met with widespread ___________ among its employees. A) apprehension B) jubilation C) apathy D) contentment E) consternation

  5. Her ability to mediate complex disputes stems from her ___________ understanding of human psychology. A) superficial B) profound C) trivial D) cursory E) shallow

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The character's actions throughout the play hinted at a deeply wicked nature. (Rewrite using "malevolent")
  2. The constant rumors and sabotage suggested a clear desire to inflict harm within the department. (Rewrite using a form of "malevolent")
  3. Her bitter resentment was evident in every sharp word she uttered. (Rewrite, replacing "bitter resentment" with a single, suitable adjective, but do not use "malevolent" or its forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. malevolent
  2. composure
  3. malevolent
  4. formidable

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) malevolent
  2. A) malicious, B) malevolent, E) spiteful
  3. B) malevolent
  4. A) apprehension, E) consternation
  5. B) profound

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The character's actions throughout the play hinted at a deeply malevolent nature.
  2. The constant rumors and sabotage suggested clear malevolence within the department.
  3. Her acrimonious tone was evident in every sharp word she uttered.

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