What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maleficio
Example
The villagers believed that the sudden illness was caused by a maleficio cast by the local witch. [maleficio: noun]
Example
She was accused of practicing maleficios and was banished from the village. [maleficios: plural noun]
hex
Example
The old woman warned them not to cross her, or she would hex them. [hex: verb]
Example
He believed that he was under a hex after a series of unfortunate events. [hex: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hex is more commonly used than maleficio in everyday language, especially in English-speaking countries. Maleficio is less common and is mostly used in Latin American countries or in contexts related to Spanish language and culture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maleficio and hex?
Both maleficio and hex are associated with informal or colloquial language and are not typically used in formal or academic contexts.
