What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maleficent
Example
The maleficent witch cast a spell on the princess. [maleficent: adjective]
Example
The company's maleficent practices led to environmental damage. [maleficent: noun]
harmful
Example
Smoking is a harmful habit that can lead to lung cancer. [harmful: adjective]
Example
The chemicals in the cleaning product are harmful to the environment. [harmful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harmful is more commonly used than maleficent in everyday language. Harmful is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while maleficent is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maleficent and harmful?
While both words can be used in formal contexts, maleficent may be considered more formal or literary due to its less frequent usage and more ominous connotation.
