Malice refers to the intention or desire to harm, hurt, or cause suffering to someone, either emotionally or physically. It involves deep ill will, hatred, or a deliberate act meant to bring misfortune to another person. Malice can be expressed through words, actions, or even silent wishes of harm. In Indonesian, “malice” can be translated as “niat jahat,” “kedengkian,” or “kejahatan yang disengaja.”
Synonyms of “Malice”:
- Spite (kedengkian)
- Hatred (kebencian)
- Malevolence (kejahatan/niat jahat)
- Ill will (niat buruk)
- Rancor (dendam berkepanjangan)
- Bitterness (kepahitan perasaan)
- Animosity (permusuhan atau kebencian)
- Hostility (permusuhan)
- Vindictiveness (keinginan untuk membalas dendam)
- Resentment (kedongkolan/dendam)
Example Sentences Using “Malice”:
- He spread rumors about her out of pure malice.
- The crime was committed with malice, making it more serious.
- Her words were filled with malice and hatred.
- He looked at his rival with malice in his eyes.
- The letter was written with malice to damage his reputation.
- She acted without malice, but her actions still hurt him.
- He was accused of acting with malice to ruin the company’s success.
- Despite their differences, he felt no malice toward her.
- The villain’s malice was evident in his cruel actions.
- Holding onto malice only poisons one’s own heart.
Related Words:
- Cruelty (kekejaman)
- Deception (penipuan)
- Jealousy (kecemburuan)
- Evil intent (niat jahat)
- Revenge (balas dendam)
- Wickedness (kejahatan)
- Grudge (dendam)
- Spitefulness (kedengkian)
- Ruthlessness (tanpa belas kasih)
- Insidiousness (kelicikan)
Antonyms of “Malice”:
- Kindness (kebaikan)
- Goodwill (itikad baik)
- Compassion (belas kasih)
- Forgiveness (pengampunan)
- Generosity (kedermawanan)
- Love (cinta)
- Benevolence (kemurahan hati)
- Sympathy (simpati)
- Friendliness (keramahan)
- Honesty (kejujuran)
Phrasal Verbs Related to “Malice”:
- Act out of – To do something with a particular emotion (“He acted out of malice when he insulted his friend.”)
- Take revenge on – To harm someone in response to a past wrong (“She wanted to take revenge on him out of malice.”)
- Get back at – To retaliate with malice (“He tried to get back at his boss for firing him.”)
- Let go of – To release feelings of malice or resentment (“She decided to let go of her malice and move forward.”)
- Harbor ill will – To keep feelings of malice inside (“He harbored ill will toward his former friend.”)
Idiomatic Expressions Related to “Malice”:
- “A wolf in sheep’s clothing” – Someone who appears kind but has malice inside.
- “Kill with kindness” – To respond to malice with extreme kindness.
- “Pour salt on the wound” – To increase someone’s suffering with malice.
- “Bad blood” – Ongoing hostility or malice between people.
- “Twist the knife” – To intentionally make someone’s suffering worse.
How to Overcome Malice
If you feel malice toward someone, or if you are dealing with someone’s malice, consider these approaches:
- Practice empathy – Try to understand the other person’s perspective.
- Avoid revenge – Retaliation only leads to more malice and negativity.
- Communicate openly – Many conflicts can be resolved through honest conversations.
- Focus on personal growth – Letting go of malice can lead to a more peaceful life.
- Surround yourself with positivity – Engaging with kind and supportive people reduces malice.
Conclusion
Malice is the intention to harm, fueled by hatred, jealousy, or resentment. It can cause conflicts, broken relationships, and emotional damage. However, by choosing kindness, forgiveness, and understanding, malice can be replaced with peace, goodwill, and personal growth.
