animadvert

American  

[an-uh-mad-vurt] / ˌæn ə mædˈvɜrt /

verb (used without object)

1. to comment unfavorably or critically (usually followed by on orupon ).

   to animadvert at length upon his faulty use of English.

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verb (used with object)

1. Obsolete. to take cognizance or notice of.

animadvert British  

/ ˌænɪmædˈvɜːt /

verb

1. to comment with strong criticism (upon); make censorious remarks (about)

2. to make an observation or comment

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Other Word Forms

• animadverter noun

Etymology

Origin of animadvert

1630–40; < Latin animadvertere to heed, censure, equivalent to anim ( um ), accusative of animus ( 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."

Example Sentences

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

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 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

We ought to animadvert upon any of our members who abuse the trust we place in them; we must support those who, without regard to consequences, perform their duty.

From The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 11 (of 12) by Burke, Edmund

In fact, as one of the speakers in the senate was rising to animadvert upon and oppose Hannibal's views, he undertook to pull him down and silence him by force.

From Hannibal Makers of History by Abbott, Jacob

Related Words

• assert
• clarify
• conclude
• criticize
• disclose
• explain
• expound
• express
• mention
• note
• notice
• observe
• point out
• reflect
• say