What does "malevolent" imply about a person's intentions?

Prepare for the GRE Basic Exam. Enhance your vocabulary with flashcards and challenging multiple-choice questions. Each query comes with hints and explanations. Elevate your lexicon and ace the exam!

The term "malevolent" specifically describes a person's intentions that are harmful, evil, or malicious. When someone is described as malevolent, it implies that they wish to cause harm or suffering to others. This characterization reflects a deep-seated ill will and a desire to inflict damage or distress.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with this definition. Wishing good for others would indicate benevolence, which is the opposite of malevolence. Neutral intentions suggest a lack of any strong motive, whether good or bad, which also does not capture the essence of malevolence. Lastly, uncertain motives imply ambiguity in a person's intentions, while a malevolent intent is very clear and specifically negative. Thus, the choice that accurately conveys the meaning of "malevolent" is that it denotes a wish to cause evil to others.

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