Gad
it
Kids
English
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Kids
EN
malevolent
Definitions
1
adjective
Having
or
showing
a
desire
to
cause
harm
or
evil
to
others
.
The
malevolent
villain
plotted
to
take
over
the
world
.
She
gave
him
a
malevolent
glare
that
sent
shivers
down
his
spine
.
The
malevolent
spirit
haunted
the
old
mansion
,
scaring
away
any
visitors
.
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Word Origin
Language
Latin
Original word
malevolens
Word parts
male (badly) + volens (wishing)
Originally meant
wishing evil or harm
Background
The word 'malevolent' comes from the Latin 'malevolens', which means wishing evil or harm. It entered English in the late 16th century, often used to describe characters in literature who have evil intentions.