Maleficial is a rare adjective used to describe anything that brings harm or misfortune. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /mælɪˈfɪʃəl/. The spelling of this word follows a common pattern in English, where the suffix "-ial" is added to the base word, "malefic." The suffix "-ial" means "relating to or characterized by," so when added to "malefic," it creates the adjective "maleficial." While the word is not used frequently, it can add a nuanced meaning to a description of an experience or event.
Maleficial is an adjective that refers to something or someone that is harmful, evil, or capable of causing damage or misfortune. The term is derived from the Latin word "maleficium," which means mischief or harm. Maleficial describes actions, influences, or events that have a negative or detrimental effect on individuals, communities, or the wider environment.
When used in relation to individuals, maleficial can describe intentional or deliberate actions that are meant to cause harm or suffering. It can also refer to a person who possesses malicious or malevolent intentions towards others. In a broader sense, maleficial highlights the negative consequences or outcomes of certain events or circumstances. It suggests a sense of malevolence or evil associated with these occurrences.
The term maleficial can also be applied to phenomena or objects. For instance, a maleficial spell is one that is intended to cause harm or misfortune to its target. Similarly, maleficial forces can be seen as negative energies or influences that are believed to bring about bad luck or adversity.
Overall, maleficial embodies the concept of harm, evil, and negativity. It is used to describe actions, intentions, events, or influences that have harmful or adverse effects, highlighting their malevolent nature.
Injurious.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "maleficial" derives from the Latin word "maleficium", which combines "male" (meaning "evil" or "wrongly") with "facere" (meaning "to do" or "to make"). "Maleficium" denotes an evil or harmful action, spell, or practice. From Latin, the word entered the English language and evolved into "maleficial" as an adjective, referring to something pertaining to or causing evil or harm.