What does malevolently mean?
Malevolently is an adverb meaning “with harmful or spiteful intention.” It describes behavior, speech, or an attitude that is deliberately intended to injure, obstruct, or discredit someone or something. The word is more strongly judgmental than simply saying that an action caused harm: it emphasizes ill will, malice, or an apparent desire to cause suffering. For example, a writer might say that a character “laughed malevolently” to suggest a contemptuous and threatening response. Malevolently is mainly formal, though it appears in journalism, political discussion, literary description, and everyday speech when the speaker wants strong emphasis. Its related adjective is malevolent, and the related noun is malevolence. The opposite adverb is benevolently, meaning in a kindly or well-intentioned manner. Although not especially long or archaic, the word is useful when distinguishing deliberate cruelty from accidental damage, ordinary criticism, or behavior that is merely unpleasant.
adverbIn a malevolent or spiteful manner; with the intention of causing harm or showing ill will toward someone or something.
- With malice or ill will; in a manner intended to cause harm.
"The antagonist smiled malevolently as the heroes approached the trap."
"The senator accused the lobbyist of acting malevolently to undermine the proposal."
"She watched the storm clouds gather with a strangely malevolent expression."
Malevolently turns the idea of ill will into an unmistakable manner: the harm is not accidental, but deliberately intended.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does malevolently come from?
Malevolently was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to malevolent. Malevolent comes through French from Latin malevolentia, built from male, meaning “bad,” and volens, meaning “willing” or “desiring.” The same Latin root volens also underlies words such as benevolent and voluntary, although their meanings and development differ.
Related word forms
How malevolently is actually used
The word is formal and strongly negative. It is often used in literary, political, or moral contexts and conveys deliberate hostility more clearly than a general description of harmful conduct.
Easily confused with malevolently
Malevolent is an adjective describing harmful or spiteful intent, while malevolently is the adverb describing how such intent or behavior is expressed.