mal- and bene-
Prefixes can give us a clue to the definition of certain words. Once an individual knows the meaning of the prefixes, it would be easier for him to broaden his vocabulary.
Many prefixes are based in Latin. Examples are the prefixes bene- (or beni-) meaning good and mal- (mala- or male- or mali-) which means bad.
Examples:
Benefit – a favorable circumstance; charity
Beneficial- advantageous; useful; profitable
Benevolent - doing or inclined to do good; kindly; charitable
Benign - good-natured
Malady - a disease; illness
Malignant – very harmful; very dangerous
Malevolent - having or showing ill will; malicious
Malaria - to speak evil of
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