animadvert
/,ænimæd'və:t/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- express blame or censure or make a harshly critical remark
- express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
- John spoke up at the meeting