Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Harmful and often untrue; tending to discredit or malign: Describes statements, remarks, or writings that are false and damaging to a person's reputation. The word implies a deliberate intent to harm someone's good name through slanderous accusations.

Usage

• The adjective calumnious is formal and is typically used in legal, literary, or serious critical contexts to describe defamatory speech or writing. It modifies nouns like "allegations," "charges," "remarks," "campaign," or "attack."
• It describes the of the statement itself as being slanderous.

Examples

• The politician filed a lawsuit against the newspaper for its calumnious article.
• She was deeply hurt by the calumnious rumors spread by her rivals.
• The court dismissed the calumnious charges due to a complete lack of evidence.

Advanced Usage

• "to be calumnious of/against someone": (A formal construction) To be slanderous toward someone.
  • The pamphlet was calumnious of the mayor's character.
• In a legal context: Often used to describe the actionable element in defamation (libel or slander) cases.
  • The plaintiff must prove the statement was both false and calumnious.

Variants and Related Words

• Calumny (n): A false and malicious statement designed to damage someone's reputation; the act of making such statements.
  • He was a victim of calumny.
• Calumniator (n): A person who utters calumnies; a slanderer.
  • The calumniator was forced to issue a public apology.

Synonyms

• Defamatory: Damaging to someone's reputation.
• Slanderous: Spoken false statements damaging to reputation.
• Libelous: Written or published false statements damaging to reputation.
• Malicious: Intending to do harm.
• Vilifying: Speaking or writing about someone in an abusively disparaging manner.

Antonyms

• Complimentary: Expressing praise or admiration.
• Flattering: Full of praise, often excessive.
• Eulogistic: Formally praising, especially in a speech or writing.
• Honorific: Conveying honor or respect.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A calumnious tongue": (Literary) Refers to a person habitually given to making slanderous statements.
  • He was known throughout the town for his calumnious tongue.
• "To give currency to calumnious reports": To help spread slanderous rumors.
  • By repeating the gossip, she gave currency to calumnious reports.

Adjective

1. (used of statements) harmful and often untrue; tending to discredit or malign