Cool MateHatred vs Malice
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Hatred
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Malice
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: MaliceMost common: Hatred
| Hatred | Malice | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈheɪtrɪd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈheɪtrɪd/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈmæ.lɪs//🇺🇸 //ˈmæl.ɪs// |
| Meaning | A strong dislike or anger towards someone or something. | The intention to harm someone or cause trouble. |
| Example | The centuries-old hatred between the two communities has made reconciliation difficult. | He acted with malice, intending to ruin her reputation. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | bitter, deep, intense, be filled with, be full of, feel, flare, in hatred, with hatred, hatred against, a feeling of hatred | with malice aforethought, malice towards others, malice in one's heart |
| Antonyms | love, admiration, affection | benevolence, kindness, goodwill |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'hate' as a noun and verb., Using it in light contexts, like joking among friends., Not understanding it expresses a very strong emotion. | Confused with 'malicious', which is the adjective form., Using 'malice' in informal contexts where it seems too serious., Mixing 'malice' with 'spite', which have different connotations. |
| Usage notes | Used in serious discussions about emotions, but can be intense. Avoid using in casual conversation as it may sound overly dramatic. | Primarily used in legal contexts or serious discussions. Not commonly used in casual conversation. |
Frequently asked questions: Hatred vs Malice
What's the difference between Hatred and Malice?
Hatred: A strong dislike or anger towards someone or something. Malice: The intention to harm someone or cause trouble.
Which is more formal: Hatred and Malice?
Malice is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Hatred and Malice?
Hatred is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Hatred: The centuries-old hatred between the two communities has made reconciliation difficult. Malice: He acted with malice, intending to ruin her reputation.
Can I use Hatred and Malice interchangeably?
Not always. Hatred and Malice are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.