aspersion
aspersion — noun
- aspersionsingular
- aspersionsplural
1. a comment about someone that damages their reputation by suggesting they have ac
a comment about someone that damages their reputation by suggesting they have acted badly or dishonestly
Hana felt hurt when her colleague cast aspersions on her work ethic.
cast aspersions on — the core set phrase
A talk-show host cast aspersions on the health minister's vaccine records, offering no documents at all.
cast aspersions on + person's specific records — no proof
Arjun refused to let his rival's aspersions damage his reputation at the firm.
Andrés was angry that false aspersions about his honesty had spread so fast.
Beatrix warned her team never to cast aspersions on a colleague in public.
- slur
typically targets a person's identity (race, gender) rather than individual behaviour
- smear
a deliberate campaign of false criticisms, stronger than a single remark
- insinuation
an indirect hint of wrongdoing, more subtle than an open accusation
- slight
a milder insult, often casual or unintentional
- compliment
a polite expression of praise or approval
- praise
an expression of warm approval or admiration
文法句型
cast aspersions on + someone/something
用法筆記
Almost always plural ('aspersions') and most often in the fixed phrase 'cast aspersions on (someone or something).' The remark is typically implied to be unfair or lacking proof.
常見錯誤
2. the act of damaging a person's reputation or standing, typically by spreading ha
the act of damaging a person's reputation or standing, typically by spreading harmful criticisms about them
The aspersion of Dr. Ibrahim in that editorial shocked the whole hospital.
aspersion of + named person for the act of defaming
Alessia sued the website for aspersion of her business and demanded a full retraction.
uncountable: aspersion of + noun (no article)
The school trustees condemned the aspersion of three long-serving teachers.
Dmitri resented the aspersion of his honesty after a colleague accused him of stealing supplies.
Kwame believed the aspersion of the housing board was a calculated move before the election.
- defamation
the broader legal term for damaging a person's reputation
- slander
specifically spoken defamation, carries legal weight
- calumny
very formal and literary; a knowingly false statement
- vilification
intense, sustained verbal attack on someone's character
- praise
an expression of warm approval or admiration
- commendation
formal or official expression of praise
文法句型
aspersion of + someone/something
用法筆記
Uncountable; nearly always followed by 'of' to name the target: 'aspersion of someone's character, reputation, or name.' Distinguish from sense 1 (DAMAGING REMARK), which refers to the remark itself and is countable, usually plural.