Malign
mediumNegative tonemuh-LYN
verb/adjective
Definition
To speak about someone in a harmful or untruthful way; evil in nature
Memory hook
To MALIGN someone is to say they have a MAL (bad) nature — you're painting them as evil.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Competitors maligned his reputation with false accusations.”
“The malign influence of the dictator spread throughout the region.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Competitors ______ his reputation with false accusations.”
Show answer
maligned
Categories
GRE Tip
Malign is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "slander" or "defame" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "praise".
Related GRE Words
vilify
To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner
denigrate
To criticize unfairly; to disparage or belittle
revile
To criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner
berate
To scold or criticize someone angrily and at length
censure
To express severe disapproval of someone or something, especially in a formal statement
chastise
To rebuke or reprimand severely; to punish
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