0
Ansonguy Posted 7 years ago
Grammar

Usage of "malign"

I have learned a new word, malign. I will try to use it in a sentence.

(ex) Tom is not happy with his new job. He doesn't like lots of overtime, unfriendly colleagues, low pay or difficult duties. He is always maligning the job in front of his friends.

Am I using the word correctly? Thanks for your help.

  

Top answer

No. In my experience, you malign a person, not a thing. Clive

— Clive

  • No.
  • In my experience, you malign a person, not a thing.
  • Clive
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0

No.

In my experience, you malign a person, not a thing.

Clive

0
0

I'm a native English speaker in the US and I've never used this word in speech or writing in my life. This word is almost never heard in everyday speech, and it tends to be used as an adjective more than a verb. This is a very serious word and is not used lightly. For example:


The malign effects of the potion did their work and he was dead by morning.

There was no more mali

0
0

Here are a few examples of the verb 'malign'. It's not a frequently used word.

To malign government is to vilify ourselves, for we the people are the government.
Is the church ready to make amends for positions that malign many good people?
I thought I was pretty careful not to malign all Muslims for the actions of a few.

CJ

0

Related Questions