Pronunciation: [mˈalɪʃə] (IPA) 
The word "malicia" is spelled with an "i" in the middle despite the fact that the sound is usually represented by a "c" followed by an "e". This is because the word originates from Latin and was later adopted into Spanish and Portuguese. In Latin, the sound was written as "ia" and maintained its spelling even after being adopted into the Romance languages. The International Phonetic Alphabet transcription for "malicia" is /məˈliθiə/.
Malicia, derived from the Latin word "malitia," refers to the state or quality of being malicious or intentionally harmful. It embodies a behavior or attitude characterized by ill will, wickedness, or a desire to harm others. As a noun, malicia refers to the deliberate intention to cause injury, distress, or disadvantage to someone else, often driven by spite or malevolence.
The term malicia encompasses a range of negative actions or mindsets, such as deceit, manipulation, and the spreading of false information with the explicit purpose of causing harm or ruining someone's reputation. It is associated with cunning and strategic behavior aimed at achieving personal gain at the expense of others. Malicia can manifest itself in various domains: from personal relationships, where it can be fueled by envy or resentment, to professional or political realms, where it may be employed to undermine or sabotage opponents.
The concept of malicia involves a conscious decision to engage in harmful actions, distinguishing it from mere negligence or inadvertent harm. It reflects a deliberate disregard for the well-being and interests of others, often driven by an individual's desire for power, control, or personal gain. Due to its harmful nature, malicia is generally condemned or disapproved of in most ethical, moral, and legal systems.
Overall, malicia refers to the intention and inclination to act maliciously, embracing both the will to harm and the actions carried out with malevolent intent. It represents a negative and harmful aspect of human behavior, typically driven by ill motives or a depraved mindset.
The word "malicia" comes from the Latin word "malitia", which is derived from the Latin term "malus", meaning "bad", "evil", or "wicked". In turn, "malus" is believed to trace its origins back to the Proto-Indo-European root "mel-" meaning "bad" or "wrong". Over time, "malitia" evolved into "malice" in Old French and eventually found its way into English. "Malicia" itself is the feminine form of the Spanish and Italian word for malice, both of which are derived from Latin.
