animadvert
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
verb
-
to comment with strong criticism (upon); make censorious remarks (about)
-
to make an observation or comment
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of animadvert
1630–40; < Latin animadvertere to heed, censure, equivalent to anim ( um ), accusative of animus ( see animus) + advertere to advert 1
Explanation
When you animadvert upon something, you criticize it openly and harshly. A high school debater might animadvert on the subject of the death penalty, for example. The verb animadvert is a great word to use when you need a formal way to talk about a public condemnation of something or someone. A tourist might animadvert upon the entire country of Italy after a disappointing vacation there, or a politician might take advantage of a public forum to animadvert on the issue of high taxes. The Latin root word is animadvertere, "to notice or take cognizance of," or "to censure, blame, or punish."
Vocabulary lists containing animadvert
Speak Your Mind: Anim
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The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation (Volume 1)
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anim
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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.
There is no need to animadvert to the deeds of that day, which shall resound, for weal or woe, as long as this terrestrial globe has habitation.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson
I have heard others’ stories and recorded them in these pages; there is no need to animadvert to my own.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson
It is with regret that I animadvert on such a veteran in literature as Mr. Cumberland.
From The Mirror of Taste, and Dramatic Censor Volume I, Number 3 by Carpenter, S. C. (Stephen Cullen)
I stoop with reluctance, gentlemen, to animadvert upon some puny fabrications calculated to mislead your judgment, and alienate your favour.
From Toronto of Old by Scadding, Henry
What, then, do British writers mean when they animadvert upon "American spelling?"
From Americanisms and Briticisms with other essays on other isms by Matthews, Brander
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.
