damning
/'dæmiɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Providing proof of guilt or wrongdoing; strongly condemning: "damning" describes evidence, testimony, or information that is so conclusive or incriminating that it virtually ensures a negative judgment or condemnation.
- Causing severe condemnation or ruin: It can describe something that leads to or justifies severe criticism, blame, or downfall.
Usage
- As an adjective: "Damning" is used to modify nouns, most commonly "evidence," "report," "testimony," or "criticism." It indicates that the thing described is powerfully incriminating or condemnatory.
- The prosecutor presented damning evidence that convinced the jury.
- The investigative report contained damning details about the company's negligence.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The leaked emails were damning for the politician's reputation.
- Her silence in the face of the accusations was seen as damning.
- The audit revealed damning financial irregularities.
Advanced Usage
- "damning with faint praise": To praise so weakly or unenthusiastically that it actually implies criticism.
- Saying the presentation was "short" is damning it with faint praise; it was actually quite insightful.
Variants and Related Words
- Damn (verb): To condemn, especially by a divine judgment; to criticize severely.
- The critic damned the film with a scathing review.
- Damnation (noun): Condemnation to eternal punishment; strong criticism.
- He feared eternal damnation for his sins.
Synonyms
- Inculpatory: Tending to incriminate or blame.
- Condemnatory: Expressing strong disapproval.
- Incriminating: Making someone appear guilty of a crime or fault.
- Damnatory: Conveying condemnation.
Antonyms
- Exculpatory: Tending to clear from alleged guilt or fault.
- Absolving: Setting free from blame or guilt.
- Vindicating: Clearing from blame or suspicion.
Related Phrases
- Damning evidence: Proof that is conclusive in establishing guilt or fault.
- The fingerprint on the weapon was the damning evidence in the case.