Definition

Adverb: - In a manner that arouses resentment, envy, or unfair dislike: The word describes an action done in a way that is likely to cause offense, ill will, or a sense of unjust treatment.

Usage

The adverb "invidiously" is used to modify verbs, describing how an action is performed. It indicates that the action creates or stems from unfair comparisons, distinctions, or favoritism that provoke resentment. - It often describes making comparisons, drawing distinctions, or allocating benefits in a discriminatory way. - It is a formal word, typically found in analytical, critical, or legal contexts.

Examples

• The manager invidiously compared the work of the two teams, praising one while blatantly ignoring the other's successes.
• Benefits were invidiously distributed, favoring employees from a specific department.
• The new policy invidiously discriminates against part-time workers.

Advanced Usage

• "to invidiously single out": To choose someone or something for special, and usually negative, attention in an unfair way that causes resentment.
  • The report invidiously singled out one company for practices that were industry-wide.
• "to invidiously privilege": To give an unfair advantage to one party over others.
  • The tax code was written to invidiously privilege large corporations.

Variants and Related Words

• Invidious (adjective): Describing a situation, action, or comparison that is likely to arouse resentment or anger due to perceived unfairness.
  • He was faced with the invidious task of choosing which employees to lay off.
• Invidiousness (noun): The quality of being invidious.

Synonyms

• Discriminatorily: In a way that shows unfair prejudice.
• Unfairly: In a manner that is not just or equitable.
• Odiously: In a manner that is extremely unpleasant and offensive.

Antonyms

• Equitably: In a fair and impartial manner.
• Impartially: In a way that treats all rivals or disputants equally.
• Fairly: In a just or proper manner.

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning of "invidiously" relates to the effect of an action—the arousing of resentment—rather than the intent. An action can be invidious even if not deliberately meant to cause offense, if its result is unfairness that breeds ill will. It is closely tied to perceptions of injustice and inequality.

Adverb

1. in a manner arousing resentment