What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
malign
Example
He was accused of maligning his former boss in the media. [malign: verb]
Example
The article contained several malign statements about the company's CEO. [malign: adjective]
slander
Example
She sued her ex-husband for slander after he spread false rumors about her. [slander: noun]
Example
He was accused of slandering his coworker during the meeting. [slandering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slander is more commonly used than malign in everyday language. Slander is a well-known legal term that is often used in news and media, while malign is less common and has a broader meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between malign and slander?
Both malign and slander are formal words that are typically used in serious contexts such as legal proceedings or news articles. However, slander is more formal than malign because it has a specific legal definition and is often used in legal settings.
