Definitions
- Describing a medical condition that is dangerous, harmful, or cancerous. - Referring to a person or behavior that is harmful, cruel, or malicious. - Talking about an influence or force that is destructive, harmful, or threatening.
- Referring to a person or behavior that is spiteful, ill-willed, or intending harm. - Describing an action or intention that is evil, wicked, or malicious. - Talking about an attitude or disposition that is hostile, aggressive, or harmful.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe harmful or negative qualities.
- 2Both words can be used to describe people, behaviors, or influences.
- 3Both words have negative connotations.
- 4Both words are adjectives.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Malignant is more commonly used in medical contexts, while malevolent is more commonly used in describing people or behavior.
- 2Intensity: Malignant implies a more severe or dangerous quality, such as a life-threatening disease. Malevolent implies a more intentional or deliberate quality, such as an evil intention or ill-willed behavior.
- 3Focus: Malignant emphasizes the harmful or destructive nature of something. Malevolent emphasizes the ill-willed or malicious intent behind something.
- 4Scope: Malignant can refer to a wider range of things, including medical conditions, influences, or behaviors. Malevolent is more limited in scope and typically refers to people or actions.
Remember this!
Malignant and malevolent are both negative adjectives used to describe harmful or negative qualities. However, malignant is more commonly used in medical contexts and emphasizes the harmful or destructive nature of something, while malevolent is more commonly used in describing people or behavior and emphasizes the ill-willed or malicious intent behind something.
