Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a scurrilous manner; using coarse, insulting, or abusive language intended to damage someone's reputation. It describes the action of speaking or writing with vulgar, offensive, or slanderous content.

Usage

• The adverb scurrilously modifies verbs (like , , ) to indicate that the action was performed in a scandalously abusive or defamatory way.
• It is typically used in formal or literary contexts to criticize unethical communication.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The journalist wrote scurrilously about the politician's personal life.
  • One paper scurrilously described how Edward was neglecting a bereaved mother to dance attendance on Wally.
  • The critic scurrilously attacked the author's character instead of reviewing the book.

Advanced Usage

• Used to intensify defamation: Emphasizes the malicious and indecent nature of an attack.
  • The allegations were not just false; they were scurrilously fabricated.
• In legal or ethical commentary: Often appears in discussions of libel, slander, or professional misconduct.
  • The lawyer argued that the blog post scurrilously violated his client's right to privacy.

Variants and Related Words

• Scurrilous (adjective): Characterized by coarse, abusive, or obscene language.
  • The article contained scurrilous accusations.
• Scurrility (noun): The quality or an instance of being scurrilous; abusive language.
  • The debate descended into outright scurrility.

Synonyms

• Abusively: Using harsh, insulting language.
• Defamatorily: In a manner that harms someone's reputation; slanderously.
• Vituperatively: In a bitterly abusive or scornful manner.
• Scandalously: In a shockingly disgraceful or offensive way.

Antonyms

• Respectfully: With deference and esteem.
• Politely: In a courteous and considerate manner.
• Flatteringly: In a complimentary or praising way.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To spread scurrilous rumors: To disseminate malicious and abusive falsehoods.
  • The tabloid was known for spreading scurrilous rumors about celebrities.
• A scurrilous attack: A verbal or written assault using vile and insulting language.
  • The editorial was nothing more than a scurrilous attack on her integrity.

Adverb

1. in a scurrilously manner
   • one paper scurrilously described how Edward was neglecting a bereaved mother to dance attendance on Wally