Basic Details
Word: Malice
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The desire to harm someone or do something bad.
Synonyms: Spite, hostility, ill will
Antonyms: Kindness, goodwill, benevolence
Idioms and Phrases
- Malice aforethought: Planning to do something bad or harmful in advance. Example: "The villain acted with malice aforethought when he set up the trap."
- Spiteful malice: Acting out of a desire to hurt others. Example: "Her spiteful malice was evident when she spread false rumours about her friend."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The villain's actions were driven by pure malice, intending to hurt everyone around him.
Example 2: The teacher praised the students for their kindness, warning them against malice in their behaviour.
Example 3: Even though he had reasons to be upset, he chose not to act with malice but instead showed understanding.
Fun Fact
The word "malice" comes from the Latin word "malitia," meaning "badness" or "wickedness." It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe malevolent intentions.
Famous Quote
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Franklin D. Roosevelt (this quote relates to malice in the sense that fear can lead to suspicion and harmful actions, particularly if driven by malice).
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "malice" mean?
a) Kindness
b) The desire to harm someone
c) Happiness
d) Friendship
Answer: b) The desire to harm someone
2. Which of these is a synonym of "malice"?
a) Generosity
b) Spite
c) Love
d) Compassion
Answer: b) Spite
3. What is the opposite of "malice"?
a) Ill will
b) Kindness
c) Spite
d) Revenge
Answer: b) Kindness
4. Which sentence uses "malice" correctly?
a) She felt malice when she found out she had won the prize.
b) The boy acted with malice by helping his friend.
c) His malice was evident in the way he treated his classmates.
d) I admire her malice in running the marathon.
Answer: c) His malice was evident in the way he treated his classmates.
5. What does "malice aforethought" mean?
a) Acting without thinking
b) Planning to do something bad in advance
c) Trying to help someone
d) Being happy and friendly
Answer: b) Planning to do something bad in advance
