Understanding the Words: Malicious, Malevolent, and Malignant

These three words can often be confusing because they seem similar. Let’s take a look at each word, learn about their history, how to use them, and ways to remember the difference.

Malicious

History: The word “malicious” comes from a Latin word meaning “bad” or “evil.” It has been used in English since the 13th century.

Meaning: “Malicious” describes actions or intentions meant to harm or hurt someone. It is like wanting to do something bad on purpose.

Examples:

• The boy was punished for his malicious behavior towards his classmate.
• She made a malicious comment that hurt his feelings.
• Hackers often use malicious software to break into computers.
• It was a malicious joke that nobody found funny.
• The dog’s malicious growl scared everyone.

Malevolent

History: “Malevolent” also comes from Latin, where it means “ill-wishing” or “wishing bad things.” It has been part of English since the 16th century.

Meaning: “Malevolent” describes someone or something that wants to cause harm or evil. It is about having bad wishes or evil intentions.

Examples:

• The witch in the story was malevolent and wanted to curse the kingdom.
• The villain had a malevolent plan to take over the world.
• He gave her a malevolent look that made her shiver.
• The malevolent spirit haunted the old house.
• Cartoons often feature a malevolent character.

Malignant

History: “Malignant” comes from a Latin word meaning “to cause harm.” It has been used in English since the 15th century.

Meaning: “Malignant” is often used in a medical or biological context to describe something harmful and very serious, like a disease.

Examples:

• The doctors were worried about the malignant tumor.
• He was diagnosed with a malignant disease that needed immediate treatment.
• Some insects have malignant stings.
• The growth was not malignant, which was a relief to everyone.
• They used strong medicine to fight the malignant cells.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of “malicious” as something you do, “malevolent” as something you feel, and “malignant” as something you have, especially in terms of health.

Summary

• Malicious: Actions meant to harm (He said a malicious lie).
• Malevolent: Wishing others harm or evil (She had a malevolent heart).
• Malignant: Serious and harmful, often medically (The tumor was malignant).

Remembering these differences will help you use each word correctly in your conversations and writing!