Definitions
- Describing a person or action that is morally wrong or wicked. - Referring to something that is harmful, unpleasant, or destructive. - Talking about a situation or behavior that is malicious or ill-intentioned.
- Describing a person or action that has an evil or harmful intent. - Referring to something that is spiteful, cruel, or vicious. - Talking about a situation or behavior that is intentionally harmful or destructive.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions or intentions that are morally wrong or harmful.
- 2Both words have negative connotations.
- 3Both words can be used to describe people, actions, or situations.
- 4Both words are used to express disapproval or condemnation.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Malevolent is more intense and extreme than evil.
- 2Usage: Evil is more commonly used in everyday language, while malevolent is more formal and less common.
- 3Connotation: Evil can be used in a broader sense to describe anything that is morally wrong, while malevolent specifically refers to harmful intentions or actions.
- 4Adjective vs. Noun: Evil can be used as both an adjective and a noun, while malevolent is primarily used as an adjective.
Remember this!
Evil and malevolent are synonyms that describe actions or intentions that are morally wrong or harmful. However, malevolent is more intense and extreme than evil, and it specifically refers to harmful intentions or actions. While evil is more commonly used in everyday language, malevolent is more formal and less common.
