WordGarden.iomalice
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈælɪs/
US
- /ˈmæləs/
Meanings
Noun
ill will or a desire to harm someone
in law, wrongful intent or reckless disregard that satisfies a malice standard
Beyond the definition
Malice isn't just anger; it's a clear wish to hurt someone, or a cruel intent behind what a person does. Think of a villain in a story: their actions are often driven by malice. It goes beyond simply disliking someone; it means wanting harm to come to them. You might say a rumor was spread with malice, meaning the person who started it meant to damage someone's reputation.
The word has a strong, serious tone and also appears in legal phrases such as "malice aforethought." In everyday use, it suggests more than ordinary meanness. It points to harm that is meant, not accidental.
Malice describes the intention or desire to harm someone. It is stronger than ordinary anger or dislike because it includes ill will and a deliberate wish to cause pain, trouble, or loss. Unlike simple anger, which can be brief or impulsive, malice usually suggests something more settled and intentional.
You might meet this idea in literature when a villain acts out of hatred or spite. But it is not limited to stories. A person may act "with malice" if they knowingly spread false information to damage someone's career, try to ruin another person's plans, or say something cruel with the aim of causing hurt.
The word comes from the Latin malitia, meaning "badness" or "wickedness." That history helps explain why it feels like a strong and serious word. It is also used in legal contexts, especially in older or formal phrases, where it refers to harmful intent rather than a simple accident or careless act.
Everyday disagreements may involve frustration, sharp words, or hurt feelings, but malice goes further. It suggests that the harm is meant. So when you hear the word "malice," think of deep ill will, a harmful purpose, and a deliberate wish to make things worse for someone else.
Examples
- 1
Accidental harm
I don't think she broke your phone out of malice; it was just an accident.
- 2
Hidden hostility
His smile was polite, but there was malice in his eyes.
- 3
Forgiveness
She felt no malice toward him after the argument.
- 4
Careless joke
The joke was careless, but it was made without malice.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
No resentment
He said the criticism was fair and bore no malice toward the writer.
- Phrasebear no malice toward someone
not continue to feel anger or hate toward someone
- 6
Legal intent
The prosecutor argued that the killing was done with malice aforethought.
- Domainmalice aforethought
a legal phrase used when someone intended to kill or seriously harm someone
See also
Similar
- ill will
- spite
- malevolence
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- with malice
- without malice
- bear malice toward
- malice aforethought
Word family
Explore
- motive
- mens rea
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- malicenoun