animadversion

[an-uh-mad-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn]

noun

1. an unfavorable or censorious comment.

   to make animadversions on someone's conduct.

   Synonyms: derogation, reflection, aspersion

2. the act of criticizing.

animadversion

/ ˌænɪmædˈvɜːʃən /

noun

1. criticism or censure

2. a carefully considered observation

Other Word Forms

• animadversional adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of animadversion¹

1590–1600; < Latin animadversiōn- (stem of animadversiō ) a heeding, censure, equivalent to animadvers ( us ) (past participle of animadvertere to heed, censure; animadvert ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

So what is it, exactly, that fuels the animadversion against Martin Amis?

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But he still had access to the social network of Washington journalists, his base constituency, always available to be entertained with his private animadversions of other politicians.

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The keeping of pet animals here, as in England, was a common fault and one against which Rigaud’s animadversions were singularly unsuccessful.

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But at times some extremely artless animadversions are heard that almost nonplus us.

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As to Raymond, the complete silence preserved with respect to him was more significant than could have been the severest animadversions.

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