out of malice

USAGE SUMMARY

"out of malice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that someone has taken with the intent to harm or upset another person. For example, "She spread rumors about her coworkers out of malice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Norton said that Slager took Scott's life "out of malice," according to reporters in the courtroom.

Vice

"I don't think it was out of malice.

The New York Times

Not out of malice, but as an act of self-defense.

The New York Times - Magazine

But illegal questions are asked, sometimes out of malice, usually out of ignorance.

The New York Times

I hope, and not out of malice, that neither come to pass.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The more popular opinion is that the NHL deep-sixed Scott out of malice.

The Guardian - Sport

The administration did not crack down out of malice or callousness.

The New York Times

While ex-lovers act out of malice, the site operators act with sociopathic greed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't ever believe that anything he ever said or did was out of malice".

The Guardian

That's not out of malice; it's out of a desire for their private life to remain exactly that: private.

Independent

"I accept that was not out of malice but because the protest was ill-judged in its form," he added.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance clarity by specifying the target of the malice. For example, "He spread rumors out of malice towards his rival" offers a more direct and comprehensive description.

Common error

Avoid using "out of malice" to describe actions that are simply the result of negligence, incompetence, or misunderstanding. Malice implies a deliberate intent to cause harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of malice" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the motivation behind an action. It specifies that the action was performed with the intention to cause harm or suffering. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase indicates intent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "out of malice" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe actions motivated by an intent to cause harm or suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media, it attributes a negative intent, distinguishing actions driven by deliberate harm from those stemming from negligence or ignorance. Related phrases, such as "with malicious intent" and "from spite", offer similar meanings with subtle differences in nuance. When using "out of malice", ensuring the context clearly demonstrates this harmful intent is crucial to accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with malicious intent

This alternative uses more formal language and emphasizes the premeditated nature of the harmful action.

driven by malevolence

This emphasizes a deep-seated desire to cause harm or evil.

with ill intent

This is a more general term suggesting harmful purposes.

with harmful intentions

This is a straightforward alternative focusing on the intent to cause harm.

from spite

This suggests a petty or resentful motivation behind the action.

with evil motives

This focuses on the immoral or wicked reasons behind the action.

motivated by animosity

This highlights the presence of strong dislike or hostility as the driving force.

actuated by wickedness

This implies a moral corruption or depravity behind the action.

from antagonism

This suggests a feeling of opposition or hostility leading to the action.

prompted by vindictiveness

This suggests a desire for revenge as the primary motivator.

FAQs

How can I use "out of malice" in a sentence?

Use "out of malice" to describe an action done with the intention of causing harm or suffering. For example, "She spread rumors "out of malice" towards her former friend."

What are some alternatives to saying "out of malice"?

You can use alternatives such as "with malicious intent", "from spite", or "with ill intent" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. These phrases all suggest an action driven by harmful intentions.

Is it correct to say someone acted "out of malice" if they didn't intend to cause harm?

No, it is not correct. "Out of malice" implies a deliberate intent to cause harm or suffering. If the action was unintentional, it would be more appropriate to describe it as being due to negligence, ignorance, or a mistake.

What's the difference between "out of malice" and "out of spite"?

"Out of malice" generally suggests a deeper, more malevolent intent to harm, while "out of spite" implies a petty or resentful motivation. Malice is often seen as a more severe form of ill will than spite.