How to pronounce malevolent
Say it like muh-LEV-uh-lunt. Malevolent has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEV).
- muh
- LEV
- uh
- lunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Malevolent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LEVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- luntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of malevolent
American and British speakers say malevolent in essentially the same way: /məˈlɛvələnt/ in the US and /məˈlɛvələnt/ in the UK.
British respelling: muh-LEV-uh-lunt.
What does malevolent mean?
- Having or displaying ill will; wishing harm on others.
- Having an evil or harmful influence.
Where does malevolent come from?
From Middle English *malevolent (suggested by Middle English malevolence), from Old French malivolent and Latin malevolentem, from male (“badly, wrongly”) + volens (“willing, wishing”), from velle (“to wish”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with malevolent
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of malevolent.
Questions about saying malevolent
How do you pronounce malevolent?
Say muh-LEV-uh-lunt. The American pronunciation is /məˈlɛvələnt/. In British English it is /məˈlɛvələnt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in malevolent?
Malevolent has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEV). Broken into parts: muh · LEV · uh · lunt.
Do Americans and Brits say malevolent the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /məˈlɛvələnt/ and the British form is /məˈlɛvələnt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.