malevolence etymology

Etymology

The word "malevolence" derives from the Latin term "malevolentia," which is a compound of:

  • "malus" (meaning "bad" or "evil")
  • "volens" (meaning "wishing" or "being willing")

Meaning

Malevolence refers to intense, active ill will or hatred towards others. It involves a deliberate desire to inflict harm, misery, or misfortune upon others.

Origin

The concept of malevolence has existed since ancient times, appearing in various cultures and philosophical traditions. It can be traced back to the belief that humans possess an inherent capacity for both good and evil, and that some individuals choose to embrace their darker nature.

In ancient Greek mythology, for example, the Erinyes (also known as the Furies) were vengeful deities who relentlessly pursued those who had committed crimes or wronged others. Similarly, in the Bible, the concept of sin and evil is often associated with malevolent intentions and actions.

Throughout history, malevolence has manifested itself in countless forms, from acts of violence and cruelty to systemic oppression and discrimination. It has been a driving force behind wars, genocides, and other atrocities.

malevolence relate terms

  • will

    Etymology Will derives from the Old English word wille which meant desire or choice

  • shall

    Etymology Origin Old English sceal to owe be obliged from Proto Germanic skula

  • malfeasance

    Etymology Origin Latin male facere meaning to do wrong First Use 14th century Me

  • malcontent

    Etymology From Middle French malcontent discontented dissatisfied from Old French

  • caco

    Etymology The word caco originates from the Ancient Greek word κακός kakós m

  • blame

    Etymology The word blame originates from the Middle English word blamen which in tur

  • blasphemous

    Etymology From the Greek βλασφημεῖν blasphēmein meaning to speak evil o

  • dismal

    Etymology The word dismal originates from the Old French word dismaler meaning to s

  • malady

    Etymology Middle English maladie from Old French maladie derived from Medieval Latin

  • malaise

    Etymology Malaise is derived from the French word malaise which is itself derived fro

  • malaria

    Etymology The word malaria comes from the Italian phrase mala aria which means bad

  • malediction

    Etymology From Middle English malediccioun borrowed from Old French malediction from

  • malefactor

    Etymology From Middle English malefactour from Old French malfaitour ultimately from

  • malefic

    Etymology The word malefic comes from the Latin words malus meaning evil and fa

  • malevolence

    Etymology The word malevolence derives from the Latin term malevolentia which is a c

  • malevolent

    Etymology The word malevolent is derived from the Latin malevolens meaning wishing

  • malice

    Etymology Middle English malis malice lt Old French malice lt Latin malitia mali

  • malicious

    Etymology The word malicious derives from the Latin malus meaning evil or bad

  • malign

    Etymology Late Middle English via Old French from Latin malignus from male bad harm

  • malison

    Etymology From the Latin name Malisonus meaning ill sounding Derived from the Latin

  • malversation

    Etymology French malversation Latin male badly versari to turn behave Me

  • mauvais

    Etymology Mauvais is a French word derived from the Latin word malus meaning bad o

  • benevolence

    Etymology Origin Latin benevolentia Meaning well wishing goodwill Composition

  • malignity

    Etymology Latin malignus meaning malicious harmful evil Proto Indo European

  • malice

    Etymology Middle English malis malice lt Old French malice lt Latin malitia mali

  • iniquity

    Etymology The word iniquity comes from the Late Latin word iniquitas which in turn

  • dearth

    Etymology Middle English derth from Old English deore dear precious costly Proto

  • thread

    Etymology The word thread traces its origins back to the Old English word thræd whi

  • veil

    Etymology The word veil derives from the Old French word veile which in turn comes f

  • vile

    Etymology The word vile derives from the Latin word vilis meaning worthless chea

  • evil

    Etymology The word evil is derived from the Old English word yfel which in turn is d

  • live

    Etymology The word live has its origins in the Middle English word liven which is de