avec malveillance

Practice it

§ Understanding "avec malveillance"

When you're trying to describe an action done with bad intentions, "avec malveillance" is your go-to phrase in French. It means "with malevolence" or "with malice." Think of it as doing something spitefully or with ill will. It's a B1 level phrase, so it's good to add to your intermediate vocabulary.

Definition: With malevolence or malice.

Il l'a regardée avec malveillance après leur dispute.

Hint: He looked at her [with ill will] after their argument.

Ses propos étaient clairement dits avec malveillance.

Hint: Her words were clearly said [maliciously].

§ Similar words and when to use "avec malveillance"

Now, let's look at some other words you might encounter that are similar in meaning, and how "avec malveillance" fits in. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

Méchamment: This is an adverb meaning "meanly" or "wickedly." It's a more general term for unkind actions. While someone acting "méchamment" might also be acting "avec malveillance," "avec malveillance" specifically implies a deeper, more intentional ill will.
Cruellement: This means "cruelly." This word emphasizes causing suffering or pain. An action done "cruellement" is almost always done "avec malveillance," but "cruellement" focuses on the *effect* of the action (pain), whereas "avec malveillance" focuses on the *intent* (ill will).
Avec intention de nuire: This phrase literally translates to "with intent to harm." This is very close in meaning to "avec malveillance" and can often be used interchangeably, especially in more formal contexts or when you want to explicitly state the intention of causing harm.
De mauvaise foi: This means "in bad faith." While it also implies bad intentions, "de mauvaise foi" usually refers to dishonesty or insincerity, especially in an agreement or discussion, rather than outright malice aimed at harming someone.

So, when should you choose "avec malveillance"?

Think of a situation where someone is not just being mean, but is actively trying to hurt or undermine someone out of spite. That's when "avec malveillance" is the perfect fit. It's stronger than just being "méchant" (mean) and emphasizes the underlying hostile intent. While "cruellement" focuses on the result of suffering, "avec malveillance" focuses on the *reason* for the action – the malice in the heart of the person acting.

For example, if someone spreads a false rumor about you specifically to damage your reputation, that action is done "avec malveillance." If someone simply says something unkind without much thought, it might be "méchamment," but not necessarily "avec malveillance." The key difference is the intentional, harmful ill will.