Spanish Conversation · Level 172
15 words
Spanish word
maligno
Pronunciation
IPA/maˈliɣno/
Meaning
- adjectivemalicious
Example
Ese comentario es maligno.
That comment is malicious.
More examples
Actuó con intención maligna cuando difundió la noticia.
He acted with malicious intent when he spread the news.
Core concept
Intentionally harmful disposition.
Common phrases
comentario maligno
malicious comment
intención maligna
malicious intent
Similar words
malicioso: Deliberately annoys, tricks, or undermines others out of spite.
malvado: Displays a wicked, morally corrupt disposition that leads to harmful acts.
malintencionado: Acts from harmful intent from the outset.
hostil: Displays openly hostile, aggressive behavior toward others.
Definition in Spanish
Que actúa con intención de causar daño o perjuicio a otras personas o cosas.
Word origin
From Latin malignus, whose mal- element means 'bad', and related to English malign/malignant, all conveying a harmful or hostile nature.
Usage tips
- The word is stronger than 'mean' in English and usually implies moral condemnation, so calling someone maligno is blunt and often elevated in tone.
Other meanings
- eviladjective
- malignantadjective
Opposites
- inofensivoharmlessadjective
Related words
- malignamentemaliciouslyadverb