Master confusing words with ease
Malevolence vs. Benevolence
Malevolence
/məˈlɛv(ə)l(ə)ns/Examples:
He hid his malevolence behind charming smiles.The villain's malevolence was unmatched in the story.Her words dripped with subtle malevolence and disdain.
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Antonyms:
Benevolence
/bɪˈnɛvələns /Examples:
Her benevolence was evident when she donated anonymously.The project was funded through his profound benevolence.Benevolence towards all creatures is her life's guiding principle.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Malevolence has a dark connotation related to ill will, whereas benevolence has a bright connotation related to kindness.
- Think of the mal- in malevolence which suggests something bad like malicious.
- Benevolence contains bene-, hinting at good things like beneficial.
- Malevolence and malevolent sound more menacing, aligning with their meanings.
- Remember that both words end in -volence indicating they both deal with intention or feelings towards others, just in opposing manners.
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