Bear malice is an expression used when someone intends to cause harm or to hold a grudge. The phonetic transcription of this phrase is /bɛər mælɪs/, where the vowel sound in "bear" is pronounced like the "e" in "where" and the "a" in "malice" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat". The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, with "bear" meaning to carry or endure and "malice" referring to ill intent. Together, the phrase describes the act of carrying ill will towards someone.
"Bear malice" is a phrase used to describe a mindset or intention to intentionally harm or cause damage to someone or something. It refers to harboring ill will, spite, or animosity towards a particular individual, group, or entity, and actively seeking to cause them harm.
The word "bear" in this context means to carry or hold, suggesting that malice is something that is consciously carried or held by an individual. This implies an intentional and deliberate choice to nurture negative feelings and act upon them.
Malice, on the other hand, refers to a strong desire or intention to cause harm or suffering to another person. It implies a deep-seated hostility, vindictiveness, or ill-intentioned motivation.
To "bear malice" is to not only possess these negative emotions or thoughts but also to actively manifest them through actions or behaviors that potentially inflict harm, whether physically, emotionally, or otherwise.
This phrase often arises in legal contexts, as the presence of malice can have substantial implications in criminal or civil cases. It can be relevant when considering the intent behind certain actions or when assessing the severity of harm caused by a person's intentional wrongdoing.
In summary, "bear malice" describes the conscious choice to hold and act upon ill intentions, seeking to cause harm or damage to someone or something.
The etymology of the phrase bear malice can be understood by examining the origins of its constituent words.
1. Bear: The word bear comes from the Old English word beran, which means to carry, to bring forth, or to endure. Its Indo-European root is believed to be *bher-, meaning to bear, carry.
2. Malice: The word malice comes from the Latin word malitia, which means wickedness or ill will. It is derived from the Latin adjective malus, meaning bad or evil. The origin of malus can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *mel-, meaning to crush or grind.
When combined, the phrase bear malice essentially means to carry or endure ill will or to harbor a malicious intent.