What is the connotation of maliciously?

The connotation of "maliciously" is negative and harmful. It suggests an intention to cause harm or suffering to another person, often with a sense of spite or cruelty.

Here's a breakdown:

* Denotation: The literal meaning of "maliciously" is "with malice," which means having the intention to harm or injure someone.

* Connotation: The emotional weight and associations associated with the word. It suggests something more than just intention to harm. It implies a deliberate and cruel desire to inflict pain, suffering, or damage.

Here are some synonyms that highlight the negative connotations of "maliciously":

* Spitefully

* Viciously

* Cruelly

* Hatefully

* Vengefully

Examples:

* "He maliciously spread rumors about his colleague, hoping to damage their reputation."

* "The company maliciously ignored safety regulations, leading to a serious accident."

In both examples, "maliciously" conveys a sense of deliberate and harmful intent, going beyond simply causing harm. It implies a desire to inflict pain or suffering for personal gain or satisfaction.