animadversion
/,ænimæd'və:ʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. Harsh criticism or disapproval: The act of expressing strong condemnation or negative judgment, often in a severe or censorious manner. It implies a critical observation or remark that finds fault.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The critic's animadversion on the director's latest film was both scathing and widely publicized.
- He accepted the fair feedback but resented the personal animadversion in the review.
- Her report contained sharp animadversions on the company's environmental policies.
Advanced Usage
- "To make/pass animadversion(s) on/upon something": To offer critical remarks or censure about something.
- The committee made several animadversions upon the proposed budget for its lack of detail.
- Used in formal or literary contexts to denote criticism that is particularly severe or morally judgmental.
Variants and Related Words
- Animadvert (verb): To comment critically or with disapproval; to pass censure.
- The senator chose to animadvert on the bill's shortcomings during the debate.
Synonyms
- Censure: Strong criticism or disapproval, often official.
- Condemnation: The expression of very strong disapproval.
- Reprehension: The act of reprimanding or rebuking.
- Stricture: A sternly critical or censorious remark.
Antonyms
- Praise: Expression of warm approval or admiration.
- Commendation: Formal or official praise.
- Approbation: Approval or praise.
Notes on Usage
- Animadversion is a formal word, most commonly found in written English, particularly in academic, legal, or literary criticism. It is less frequent in everyday speech.
- It carries a connotation of criticism that is not merely corrective but often harsh and fault-finding.
Noun
- harsh criticism or disapproval