Literary notes about malicious (AI summary)
The term "malicious" often conveys not only the idea of gross animosity but also a subtle, scheming ill-intent that permeates both character and circumstance in literature. It is used to depict characters whose actions are driven by spite and vindictiveness, whether through overt wickedness or a quietly subversive sense of humor, as seen in portrayals of nefarious individuals and cunning tricksters ([1], [2], [3]). At times, it marks actions that are legally or morally reproachable, hinting at deliberate efforts to harm or manipulate others ([4], [5]). In other instances, the word acquires an almost supernatural aura, lending an air of otherworldly mischief or malevolent design to spirits, curses, or enchanted beings ([6], [7]). This versatility allows "malicious" to function as a powerful descriptor that enriches narratives by highlighting the darker, more complex aspects of human and cosmic intent.
- This, my Pamela, is the Sally Godfrey, this malicious woman, with the worst intentions, has informed you of.
— from Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson - Standing in the doorway, he scanned the company, and laughing his prolonged, impudent, malicious chuckle, looked them all boldly in the face.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Mr. Vyse was a tease—something worse than a tease: he took a malicious pleasure in thwarting people.
— from A Room with a View by E. M. Forster - I mean the action for malicious prosecution.
— from The Common Law by Oliver Wendell Holmes - A similar requirement was laid down with regard to the defence of probable cause in an action for malicious prosecution.
— from The Common Law by Oliver Wendell Holmes - sg. dyrnan cräfte, with secret magic art , 2291 ; dyrnum cräfte, 2169 ; gen. pl. dyrnra gâsta, of malicious spirits (of Grendel's kin), 1358 .—Comp.
— from I. Beówulf: an Anglo-Saxon poem. II. The fight at Finnsburh: a fragment. - "Then some malicious god conveyed Ulysses to the upland farm where his swineherd lives.
— from The Odyssey by Homer