What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maleficium
Example
The villagers accused the old woman of practicing maleficium and causing the crops to fail. [maleficium: noun]
Example
He believed that his misfortunes were caused by a maleficium cast upon him by his enemies. [maleficium: noun]
witchcraft
Example
She was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. [witchcraft: noun]
Example
The book contains instructions on how to perform various forms of witchcraft. [witchcraft: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Witchcraft is more commonly used than maleficium in everyday language. Witchcraft has a wider scope and can be used in various contexts, including fiction, history, and anthropology. Maleficium, on the other hand, is less common and is mostly used in academic or historical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between maleficium and witchcraft?
Both maleficium and witchcraft are formal words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, maleficium is more specialized and technical, making it more suitable for academic or historical writing, while witchcraft has a broader scope and can be used in various formality levels.
