Choose the correct antonym of MALEVOLENCE
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Benevolence
Malevolence means the wish to do harm or evil to others. Its antonym is benevolence.
Example: There was pure malevolence in the villain's smile.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Virulence | bitter hostility or the harmful strength of a disease (it is close to malevolence in meaning, not opposite) | The virulence of the new virus alarmed the doctors. |
| (2) Enmity | the feeling of being an enemy, hatred (a near synonym of malevolence) | The enmity between the two families lasted for years. |
| (3) Benevolence (answer) | the wish to do good to others, kindness (it is the exact opposite of malevolence) | The old man was known for his benevolence towards the poor. |
| (4) Obduracy | stubbornness, refusal to change one's mind (it is not related to wishing good or evil) | His obduracy made it hard to reach an agreement. |
| Synonyms of malevolence: ill will, enmity, spite, hostility Antonyms of malevolence: benevolence, goodwill, kindness, compassion Also asked in CUET (UG): malevolence – 02-06-2023 Slot 1 virulence – 30-05-2026 Slot 2 enmity – 20-05-2026 Slot 1, 24-05-2023 Slot 1, 17-08-2022 Slot 2 benevolence – 21-05-2026 Slot 1, 12-05-2026 Slot 2, 06-06-2023 Slot 1, 02-06-2023 Slot 1 |