How to Say "Evil" in Latin - How To Say Guide

malum

[ˈma.ɫũː]

The Latin word for evil is malum.

The term malum is used as an adjective to describe something that is morally corrupt.

Meaning: morally corrupt (adj)

Which one should you use?

malum is the neuter form used for abstract concepts or things. In contrast, malus is the masculine form used to describe a person or a male entity.

In Ecclesiastical Latin, Malignus describes something as malevolent or wicked.

The plural form of the neuter adjective malum is mala.

The word malum is a homonym that can also mean 'apple' in certain contexts. This stems from a possible connection to the Greek word for apple, though the linguistic link is debated.
The Latin root in malum is the ancestor of the English word 'malice' and the prefix 'mal-' found in 'malfunction' or 'malpractice'.
In Latin philosophical writing, malum is often treated as a noun meaning 'a misfortune' or 'a calamity' rather than just an adjective meaning 'evil'.

Malum aeternum non est.
Evil isn't eternal.
The sentence is useful for discussing the non-eternal nature of malum.
Tatoeba #12505560 by rul, translation #12436683 by Miktsoanit
Citius venit malum quam revertitur.
Evil comes faster than it recedes.
This sentence describes the speed with which malum arrives compared to its departure.
Tatoeba #12368029 by carlosalberto, translation #12368035 by carlosalberto
Omne malum nascens facile opprimitur.
Every evil is easily crushed at birth.
This sentence illustrates how malum can be suppressed when it is first born.
Tatoeba #5205631 by alexmarcelo, translation #11063101 by carlosalberto
Homo nequam periculosus est.
A wicked person is dangerous.
15 more sentences on Tatoeba

Lucius and Lucia are discussing a character in a story.

Sources

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