malicious - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
malicious Word Meanings
- intending to cause harm or suffering
- spiteful or ill-natured
- characterized by malice
malicious Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
malicious Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/məˈlɪʃ.əs/
US
/məˈlɪʃ.əs/
malicious Word Etymology
mal- = bad + icious = having the quality of. Originated from Latin 'malitiosus' → Old French 'malicieux' → English 'malicious'. Imagine a dark character concocting plans for harm with a twisted grin, representing the essence of malice.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Malicious is an adjective describing someone who intends to cause harm or suffering, or something driven by spite or ill will. It often implies a deliberate, knowing plan to hurt others, not just being rude or unfriendly. You might hear about malicious acts, a malicious rumor, or malicious software. In legal or moral discussions, malice is a key term that marks intent as opposed to mere carelessness. A malicious character can be depicted with a twisted grin or cold calculation, underscoring the essence of malice. The adverb is maliciously, used for actions carried out with harmful intent.
Usage Reminders
- Be clear about whether the harm is intentional or accidental
- Use with a noun that shows who is acting maliciously
- Maliciously is the adverb form for actions done with harmful intent
- Avoid using malicious to describe casual meanness or ignorance
- Malice is the noun form related to intent, not mood or politeness
Common Misconceptions
- Malicious means only violent or extreme cruelty
- It can only describe people, not actions or things like software
- Malice equals anger or general meanness, not deliberate harm
- If someone is rude, they are automatically malicious
- Malicious behavior is always illegal
Thinking Differences
English tends to reserve malice for intentional harm and often distinguishes it from mere rudeness or misfortune; learners may think it only applies to criminals, when it can describe everyday deliberate harm.
Learning Tips
- Notice the subject and the target of the harm to identify malicious intent
- Differentiate malicious from merely rude or careless behavior
- Pair with maliciously to describe how actions are done
- Practice with software contexts to see the term maliciou sly used
- Compare with synonyms like evil, harmful, or vicious to sharpen nuance
- Read and listen for cues of intent in context
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'malicious'?
A.Friendly
B.Big
C.Yellow
D.Harmful
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'malicious' used correctly?
A.Her malicious gossip hurt many people.
B.The cheerful dog wagged its tail happily.
C.He always acts with kindness towards others.
D.I saw a huge tree in the forest.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym for 'malicious'?
A.Spontaneous
B.Friendly
C.Hostile
D.Benevolent
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'malicious'?
A.Cruel
B.Aggressive
C.Dangerous
D.Harmless
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation would someone display 'malicious' behavior?
A.Donating money to a good cause
B.Helping an elderly person cross the street
C.Volunteering at a local charity event
D.Deliberately spreading false rumors to hurt someone's reputation
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App