Basic Details
Word: Malicious
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Intending to cause harm or hurt; being unkind on purpose.
Synonyms: Spiteful, malevolent, wicked
Antonyms: Kind, benevolent, friendly
Idioms and Phrases
- Malicious intent: The purpose of wishing to cause harm. Example: "The lawyer proved that he acted with malicious intent when he spread those false rumours."
- Malicious gossip: Unkind or harmful remarks about someone. Example: "She was hurt by the malicious gossip that circulated at school."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The malicious actions of the hacker caused many people to lose their online accounts.
Example 2: It is important to stand up against malicious behaviour, whether online or offline.
Example 3: He was upset by the malicious comments made about him during the meeting.
Fun Fact
The word "malicious" comes from the Latin word "malitia," which means "badness" or "wickedness." This word has been used in English since the 14th century to describe harmful intentions.
Famous Quote
"Malice is like a weakness; it is often hidden but can harm more than strong actions." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "malicious" mean?
a) Kind and helpful
b) Intending to cause harm
c) Happy and supportive
d) Lazy and careless
Answer: b) Intending to cause harm
2. Which of these is a synonym of "malicious"?
a) Friendly
b) Spiteful
c) Caring
d) Generous
Answer: b) Spiteful
3. Which of these is an antonym of "malicious"?
a) Wicked
b) Malevolent
c) Kind
d) Spiteful
Answer: c) Kind
4. Which sentence uses "malicious" correctly?
a) The dog was malicious when it played fetch.
b) The malicious email caused trouble for many users.
c) She was malicious when she helped her friend.
d) The flower is malicious because it grew tall.
Answer: b) The malicious email caused trouble for many users.
5. What does "malicious gossip" refer to?
a) Kind stories about friends
b) Unkind remarks about someone
c) Innocent conversations
d) Fun jokes and laughter
Answer: b) Unkind remarks about someone
