How to Memorize

baleful - menacing

Analysis

Something ‘baleful’ is menacing. It does not express harm done, it instead describes something that threatens harm. It is most commonly used in the context of a look or sound. The word can also be used in relation to a dangerous or corrupting influence.

Example(s)

1. When I spoke over Tom in the meeting, he gave me a baleful look. Clearly he was furious.

2. Claire is a clever student, but Pauline’s baleful influence over her is holding her back.

3. Last night, the balefulness of the sounds I could hear coming from the woods made me feel very uneasy.