sheer malice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer malice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or behavior that is motivated purely by a desire to cause harm or suffering to others. Example: "The defendant's actions were driven by sheer malice, as he took pleasure in the suffering he caused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Out of sheer malice.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Kevin has moved from 'defending his house' into sheer malice, in my opinion," he said.

The Guardian - Film

Some have done so out of professional envy, some out of sheer malice.

The New Yorker

Some epileptics are sensitive to strobes; out of sheer malice, someone was trying to induce seizures in innocent people.

The New Yorker

When another farmer, elsewhere, on an island, say, has no cow but his neighbour does, that farmer will kill the neighbour's cow out of sheer malice.

Independent

The British have learned this over 1,000 years of acrimonious history, but it still comes as a shock to see how badly the French can behave, with their unique mixture of shortsighted selfishness, long-term irresponsibility, impudent humbug and sheer malice.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In his early scenes with Charleze Theron, who matches him for sheer kickass malice and resourcefulness, they forge a bond by beating each other almost to a pulp.

Independent

The Independent's critic described it as "a very unusual re-boot" in which "Theron matches [Hardy] for sheer kickass malice and resourcefulness".

Independent

One day I stood on Winthrop Avenue looking up at the top of a building on whose ledge a young woman sat deliberating whether to kill herself, while a couple of guys down on the street kept shouting "Jump!" They did so out of sheer asshole malice, of course, but at the time their suggestion seemed to me a reasonable resolution to the continuous problem we call life.

The New Yorker

"Out of sheer spite.

Independent

I can't really empathise with the person I was when I found it funny, but my best guess is that it was connected to the sheer outrageousness of the malice, how ludicrous it was to laugh at such terrible things.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer malice" to describe actions that are not just mean-spirited, but also seemingly purposeless beyond causing harm. It implies a gratuitous level of negativity.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer malice" in situations where the harm caused is proportionate to a perceived wrong. The phrase is most impactful when the negativity far exceeds any rational motivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer malice" functions as a descriptor, intensifying the degree of malicious intent. "Sheer" acts as an adjective, emphasizing the completeness and unadulterated nature of the "malice", which is the noun. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer malice" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon phrase used to emphasize the extreme and seemingly unmotivated nature of malicious intent. It's frequently found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and suggests that it’s most effective when describing harm that appears disproportionate to any discernible cause. To avoid misinterpretations, use "sheer malice" when the act is particularly spiteful. Alternative phrases include "pure malice" and "outright malice".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pure malice

Emphasizes the unadulterated and complete nature of the malice.

unadulterated malice

Similar to "pure malice", but with a stronger emphasis on the lack of any mitigating factors.

outright malice

Highlights the overt and undeniable quality of the malicious intent.

unmitigated malice

Focuses on the absence of any attempt to lessen the severity of the malice.

absolute malice

Stresses the total and unrestricted extent of the malice.

undiluted malice

Conveys the idea that the malice is not weakened or lessened by other emotions or considerations.

plain malice

Suggests the malice is evident and easily discernible.

arrant malice

Indicates a flagrant and unmistakable form of malice.

simple malice

Implies the malice is uncomplicated and direct in its intent.

unvarnished malice

Emphasizes the blunt and unrefined nature of the malice.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer malice" in a sentence?

You can use "sheer malice" to describe actions motivated purely by the desire to cause harm or suffering. For example: "The vandalism was an act of "sheer malice", with no apparent purpose other than to inflict damage."

What's a more formal alternative to "sheer malice"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "pure malice" or "unadulterated malice". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but may be more appropriate in professional or academic contexts.

Is "sheer malice" the same as "spite"?

While both relate to ill will, ""sheer malice"" suggests a more profound and often inexplicable desire to cause harm, whereas "spite" usually implies a petty or resentful motivation.

Can "sheer malice" be used to describe accidental harm?

No, ""sheer malice"" implies intent. If harm is caused accidentally, it cannot be described as "sheer malice". Terms like "negligence" or "carelessness" would be more appropriate.