malevolent

Everyday

1. Wanting to do harm or evil to others; full of hate and spite. tree →
2. (in stories) Seeming evil and threatening: «a malevolent stare». tree →

In the lessons

In stories, «malevolent» describes villains, witches, evil spirits or a dark, threatening atmosphere: «a malevolent grin». It tells the reader that someone wants to hurt others on purpose. It is a strong, slightly formal word, good for creative writing. Opposite: «benevolent» (kind, wanting to do good). Phrases: «a malevolent spirit», «malevolent eyes».

Examples

• The malevolent witch wanted to poison the princess. tree →
• A malevolent grin spread across the villain's face. tree →
• The old house had a malevolent feeling, as if something was watching. tree →
• The dragon gave him a malevolent stare. tree →
• In the story, a malevolent spirit haunted the mill. tree →
• He wasn't malevolent, just careless. tree →
• The storm clouds looked malevolent and dark. tree →
• Benevolent kings help people; malevolent ones harm them. tree →
• Before taking leave of the Baba Yaga, we may glance at a malevolent monster, who seems to be her male counterpart. tree →

Note

Adjective; noun «malevolence», adverb «malevolently». «Mal-» means bad (as in malfunction, malpractice); «bene-» means good (benevolent). Stronger than «mean» or «unkind». Not a maths word.