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 ( 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."

Example Sentences

Animadvert upon this as you will, it is nevertheless certain that it weaves close bonds of affinity between them, and ties of Nature which, though ignored, cannot be unfelt.

From A Trip to Cuba by Howe, Julia Ward

Related Words

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