malice
MA-lihs
Malice (noun) means the intention to harm someone or do something wrong or illegal. Example: “There was no malice behind the comment — it was simply a poor choice of words.”
noun
1
The intention to harm someone or do something wrong or illegal.
"Your voice positively drips malice."
"There was no malice behind the comment — it was simply a poor choice of words."
"The court had to prove malice in order to convict him of the more serious charge."
How to use malice
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA deliberate wish or intent to cause harm to someone.
Memory tip
The common phrase "with malice" or "malice aforethought" means the harm was intended, not accidental.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
malice aforethought
bear malice
without malice
malice toward none
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Word forms
- Plural
- malices
- Third person singular
- malices
- Past tense
- maliced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There was no _____ behind the comment — it was simply a poor choice of words.
Etymology
From Old French malice, from Latin malitia, "badness or ill will," itself from malus, "bad."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for malice
See all rhymes for malice →Frequently asked questions
What does “malice” mean?
The word “malice” means the intention to harm someone or do something wrong or illegal. In plain terms, a deliberate wish or intent to cause harm to someone.
How do you pronounce “malice”?
“Malice” is pronounced MA-lihs (/ˈmælɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “malice” in a sentence?
Here is “malice” used in a sentence: “There was no malice behind the comment — it was simply a poor choice of words.”
What part of speech is “malice”?
“Malice” is a noun.
Where does the word “malice” come from?
The word “malice” comes from Latin. From Old French malice, from Latin malitia, "badness or ill will," itself from malus, "bad.".
Is “malice” a common word?
“Malice” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
