Choose the antonym for the word "BENEVOLENCE" from the options given below.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → malevolence
Benevolence means kindness and the wish to do good to others. Its antonym is malevolence.
Example: The old king was loved for his benevolence towards the poor.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) kind | caring and generous (it is close in meaning to benevolent, not its opposite) | It was kind of you to help me. |
| (2) courteous | polite and respectful (it is not the opposite of benevolence) | The hotel staff were very courteous. |
| (3) malevolence (answer) | the wish to do harm or evil to others (the two words are exact opposites) | The villain looked at them with open malevolence. |
| (4) generous | willing to give freely (it is close in meaning to benevolent) | He made a generous donation to the school. |
| Synonyms of benevolence: kindness, goodwill, compassion, charity Antonyms of benevolence: malevolence, malice, cruelty, ill will Also asked in CUET (UG): benevolence – 21-05-2026 Slot 1, 12-05-2026 Slot 2, 08-06-2023 Slot 1, 06-06-2023 Slot 1 malevolence – 08-06-2023 Slot 1 |