malignant
malignant — adjective
1. A malignant tumour or disease is caused by cancer cells that grow without contro
A malignant tumour or disease is caused by cancer cells that grow without control and can spread to other parts of the body, often leading to serious health problems or death.
The biopsy showed that the lump on Christopher's neck was malignant and required immediate surgery.
contrast with benign: malignant results trigger urgent treatment
Doctors removed a malignant tumour from Sayaka's lung before it could spread to nearby organs.
malignant + tumour = core medical collocation
Samir felt relief when the biopsy showed the growth on his skin was benign, not malignant.
After the biopsy confirmed malignant cells, Inês's doctors scheduled a CT scan to check whether the cancer had spread.
Mira's malignant melanoma was detected early, giving her treatment a better chance of success.
- benign
direct opposite — a growth that is not cancerous and does not spread
文法句型
malignant + noun (tumour, growth, disease, cell)
be/become + malignant
用法筆記
This is the most common and primary meaning of 'malignant'. It is the direct opposite of 'benign'. The word appears most frequently in medical reports, diagnoses, and health contexts. When used without a noun, it almost always refers to a tumour or growth (e.g. 'The lump was malignant').
常見錯誤
2. Used to describe a person's character, actions, or influence that show a deep an
Used to describe a person's character, actions, or influence that show a deep and active desire to cause harm, suffering, or destruction to others, rather than labelling the person themself.
Emre's malignant gossip destroyed the trust that had held the office team together for years.
malignant + gossip = figurative use describing spiteful speech
President Defne's malignant policies forced thousands of farming families to leave their homes and flee across the border.
malignant + policies = figurative use describing state-sponsored harm
Lucía saw malignant pleasure in her opponent's eyes after the judge's unfair ruling.
Vikram watched the new manager's malignant influence spread as she pushed out experienced staff and promoted loyal friends instead.
A malignant atmosphere settled over the town after the mayor's speeches deliberately set one neighbourhood against another.
- malevolent
nearly identical in meaning; slightly more literary and focused on wishing evil
- malicious
more common in everyday language; implies spite and the intention to hurt feelings or reputation
- sinister
describes something that seems threatening or evil, but may not actively cause harm
- vicious
emphasises violent or cruel behaviour rather than hidden intent
- benevolent
direct opposite — wishing to do good and help others
- kind-hearted
less formal opposite — naturally caring and generous
文法句型
malignant + noun (influence, intent, pleasure, spirit, force)
be/become/seem + malignant
用法筆記
This sense is formal and often appears in literary, political, or rhetorical contexts. For everyday situations describing minor ill will, 'malicious' or 'spiteful' are more common and natural. The medical sense (CANCEROUS GROWTH) is far more frequent in general use.
常見錯誤
malignant — noun
1. A person who has a deep and lasting desire to cause harm or suffering to other p
A person who has a deep and lasting desire to cause harm or suffering to other people — a rare, literary usage in modern English; everyday speech almost always uses phrases such as 'an evil person' instead.
Ari refused to believe his former friend had become a malignant who enjoyed causing pain.
Esme shuddered when she realised the quiet neighbour was a malignant poisoning the community.
malignant as a countable noun, describing a person
Historians describe the former ruler as a malignant who destroyed anyone who opposed him.
The novel's antagonist is a malignant who manipulates everyone around him without remorse.
- malefactor
more formal; refers to someone who commits crimes rather than merely wishing harm
- villain
less formal; common in stories, implies a wicked character who acts against others
- benefactor
someone who helps or gives to others
文法句型
a + malignant
the + malignant
用法筆記
This noun form is very rare in modern everyday English. It is almost entirely restricted to literary, formal, or dramatic writing. Most native speakers would say 'an evil person' or 'a malevolent person' instead of using 'malignant' as a noun. Do not use this form in casual conversation or general writing.