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Webster 1913 Edition

Malevolent

Ma-lev′o-lent

,
Adj.
[L.
malevolens
,
-entis
;
male
ill +
volens
, p. pr. of
velle
to be willing or disposed, to wish. See
Malice
, and
Voluntary
.]
Wishing evil; disposed to injure others; rejoicing in another’s misfortune.
Syn. – Ill-disposed; envious; mischievous; evil-minded; spiteful; malicious; malignant; rancorous.

Webster 1828 Edition

Malevolent

MALEV'OLENT

,
Adj.
Having an evil disposition towards another or others; wishing evil to others; ill disposed, or disposed to injure others. A malevolent heart rejoices in the misfortunes of others.
1.
Unfavorable; unpropitious; bringing calamity.

Definition 2024

malevolent

malevolent

English

Adjective

malevolent ‎(comparative more malevolent, superlative most malevolent)

  1. having or displaying ill will; wishing harm on others
  2. having an evil or harmful influence

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related terms

Translations

Etymology

From Middle French malivolent, from Latin malevolentem, from male ‎(“ill”) + velle ‎(“to wish”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /məˈlɛvələnt/

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