libellous
/'laibləs/ Cách viết khác : (libellous) /'laibləs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Harmful and often untrue; tending to discredit or malign: Describes a statement, piece of writing, or other communication that is damaging to a person's reputation because it contains false and malicious information. It is the adjective form related to the legal concept of libel.
Usage and Examples
General Usage:
- The newspaper published a libellous article about the politician, claiming he had accepted bribes without any evidence.
- She threatened to sue the author for making libellous remarks in the biography.
- Spreading libellous gossip can have serious legal consequences.
In Legal Context:
- The judge ruled that the comments were libellous and awarded damages to the plaintiff.
- To win a libel case, you must prove the statement was both false and libellous.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Libellous" vs. "Defamatory": While both mean damaging to reputation, "libellous" specifically refers to defamation in a permanent form, such as writing, printing, pictures, or broadcast (libel). "Defamatory" is a broader term that also includes spoken defamation (slander).
- The blog post was not just critical; it was libellous.
- "Libellous statement": A common collocation emphasizing the nature of the communication.
- The company's lawyer demanded a retraction for the libellous statement.
Variants and Related Words
- Libel (n.): The published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; the act of publishing such a statement.
- He was a victim of libel.
- Libel (v.): To publish a libellous statement about someone.
- They attempted to libel their former business partner.
- Libelously (adv.): In a libellous manner.
- The story was libelously inaccurate.
Synonyms
- Defamatory: Damaging the good reputation of someone.
- Slanderous: (Specifically for spoken false statements) Making false and damaging statements about someone.
- Calumnious: Making false and defamatory statements about someone with malicious intent.
- Malicious: Intending to do harm.
Antonyms
- Complimentary: Expressing praise or admiration.
- Flattering: Full of praise and compliments.
- Accurate: Correct in all details.
Idioms and Common Phrases
- "To be the subject of libellous allegations": To be accused of something in a false and damaging published form.
- The celebrity found herself the subject of libellous allegations in a tabloid.
- "A libellous campaign": A sustained series of libellous attacks.
- The politician faced a libellous campaign from his opponents.
Adjective
- (used of statements) harmful and often untrue; tending to discredit or malign