malevolo
/maˈlɛ.vo.lo/
The English phrase 'malevolent' is translated into Italian as malevolo.
malevolo is an adjective used to describe someone or something that displays ill will or wishes harm upon others.
Meaning: having or displaying ill will, wishing harm on others (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, malevolo must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form malevola for feminine nouns. The masculine plural form is malevoli. The feminine plural form is malevole.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /maˈlɛ.vo.lo/. It consists of 4 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While malevolo describes a person's intent, Italians often use the word malocchio 'evil eye' to describe the actual manifestation of malevolence as a supernatural curse.
- Italian uses malevolo for people, but if a spirit or an entity is malevolent, it is often described as maligno, a word that also means 'malignant' in a medical context.
- An Italian speaker might use malevolo to describe much more than a person, such as a 'malevolent wind' (vento malevolo) that brings bad luck or a sense of dread.
Examples in context
- Il signore era un individuo malvagio.The gentleman was a malevolent individual.
- La regina dimostrò una natura crudele nel governare il suo regno.The queen demonstrated a malevolent nature in ruling her kingdom.
- Lui si è comportato in modo perfido nell'ingannare il suo collega.He acted malevolently in deceiving his colleague.
- Quel tipo è davvero cattivo!That guy is really malevolent!
- Il suo sguardo era malevolo.His look was malevolent.
- Non lasciare che un pensiero malevolo ti rovini la giornata.Don't let a malevolent thought ruin your day.
- È stato un gesto malevolo nei miei confronti.It was a malevolent gesture towards me.
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are discussing a coworker's recent behavior.
- MatteoCredi che il suo commento fosse malevolo?Do you think his comment was malevolent?
- GiuliaSì, sembrava proprio un attacco malevolo.Yes, it really seemed like a malevolent attack.
- MatteoNon voglio avere nulla a che fare con lui.I don't want anything to do with him.
- GiuliaHai ragione, Matteo, è meglio stare alla larga.You're right, Matteo, it's better to keep your distance.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry malevolo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
