malevolent
/məˈlɛvələnt/
Group 32Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Having or showing a wish to do evil to others GRE
Example in Context
The malevolent intent behind the disinformation campaign was clear to analysts who tracked its coordinated deployment across multiple platforms.
Synonyms
evilhostilespiteful
Etymology
Wishing bad things for others, hence evil.
- male (Latin) — bad
- volens (Latin) — wishing
Memory Aid
👿Sounds like “malevolent like malevolence”
When I saw that MALEVOLENT cat plotting to knock my glass off the table, I knew it was up to no good!
Visual Association
😈A sinister figure lurking in the shadows, plotting mischief with a wicked grin.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “malevolent” mean on the GRE?
malevolent (adjective) means “Having or showing a wish to do evil to others”. The malevolent intent behind the disinformation campaign was clear to analysts who tracked its coordinated deployment across multiple platforms.
How to remember “malevolent” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “malevolent” sounds like “malevolent like malevolence”. When I saw that MALEVOLENT cat plotting to knock my glass off the table, I knew it was up to no good!
What are synonyms for “malevolent”?
Common synonyms: evil, hostile, spiteful.