Definition

1. Verb:
   • To express blame, censure, or harsh criticism: To comment critically or disapprovingly on someone or something.
   • To express an opinion openly and without hesitation: To remark or comment forthrightly, often in a formal context.

Usage

• The verb "animadvert" is formal and literary. It is typically used with the prepositions "on" or "upon" when specifying the object of criticism.
• It describes the act of making a judgmental observation, often implying disapproval.

Examples

• The committee chair felt compelled to animadvert upon the member's consistent tardiness.
• In his essay, the critic animadverted on the author's simplistic character development.
• She animadverted freely during the debate, expressing her strong opposition to the proposal.

Advanced Usage

• "animadvert against": A less common variant meaning to criticize or speak against.
  • The editorial animadverted against the government's new policy.

Variants and Related Words

• Animadversion (noun): A critical or censorious remark.
  • His report was filled with harsh animadversions on the management's strategy.

Synonyms

• Censure: To express severe disapproval.
• Reproach: To address someone in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment.
• Criticize: To indicate the faults of someone or something in a disapproving way.

Antonyms

• Praise: To express warm approval or admiration.
• Commend: To praise formally or officially.
• Applaud: To show approval or praise by clapping or by expressed statement.

Notes

• While one definition involves expressing an opinion openly, the word almost invariably carries a negative, critical connotation. The act of "animadverting" is not neutral; it implies finding fault.
• This word is rarely used in everyday modern English and is considered quite formal.

Verb

1. express blame or censure or make a harshly critical remark
2. express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
   • John spoke up at the meeting