malice

word

Definition

The intention or desire to hurt someone or do something bad to them.

Usage & Nuances

"Malice" is formal and often used in legal, literary, or serious contexts. Not the same as "anger" or "jealousy"—it always involves wanting harm. Common phrases: "act with malice," "without malice." Rare in daily conversation.

Example Sentences

There was no malice in her joke.

basic

You could see the malice in his eyes when he laughed.

natural

Some online comments are just full of malice.

natural

She denied any malice, saying it was all a misunderstanding.

natural

She acted out of malice when she broke his toy.

basic

He spoke with malice in his words.

basic