opprobrious
Americanadjective
-
conveying or expressing opprobrium, as language or a speaker.
opprobrious invectives.
- Synonyms:
- contemptuous, vituperative, abusive, reproachful
- Antonyms:
- laudatory
-
outrageously disgraceful or shameful.
opprobrious conduct.
- Synonyms:
- ignominious, dishonorable
- Antonyms:
- reputable
adjective
-
expressing scorn, disgrace, or contempt
-
shameful or infamous
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of opprobrious
1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin opprobriōsus, equivalent to Latin opprobri ( um ) opprobrium + -ōsus -ous
Explanation
Opprobrious is a heavy-duty word to describe something taunting or shameful. Opprobrious words criticize in a mean, hurtful way. Opprobrious comes from the Latin opprobare which means "to reproach or taunt." If someone is being opprobrious, she's being abusive and mean. Insults are opprobrious, while constructive criticism is not. No one wants to be treated in an opprobrious way. We can also use this word for bad behavior that causes shame — someone cheating on a test is opprobrious. Opprobrious actions are disgraceful, ignominious, and inglorious.
Vocabulary lists containing opprobrious
"The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane
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Paradise Lost
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Oliver Twist
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Opprobrious, with his robe of righteousness, Arraying, covered from his Father's sight.
From Paradise Lost by Milton, John
At her throne Kings worshipp'd; and from her their subject crowns, Humbly obedient, held; and on her state Submiss attended; nor such servitude Opprobrious named.
From The International Monthly Magazine, Volume 1, No. 1, August 1850 of Literature, Science and Art. by Various
Then yet again Melantho with rude speech Opprobrious, thus, assail’d Ulysses’ ear.
From The Odyssey of Homer by Cowper, William
But though from violence, yet not from words275 Abstained Achilles, but with bitter taunt Opprobrious, his antagonist reproached.
From The Iliad of Homer Translated into English Blank Verse by William Cowper by Cowper, William
Opprobrious, o-prō′bri-us, adj. expressive of opprobrium or disgrace: reproachful: infamous: despised.—adv.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
