invective

/ɪnˈvektɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈvektɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈvek-tiv/ (ame, mw)

invective — noun

1. harsh, insulting words that someone uses to attack a person or group, or to expr

1.名詞C1
釋義

harsh, insulting words that someone uses to attack a person or group, or to express strong disapproval of something.

例句

The senator's speech was full of bitter invective against the opposing party.

collocation: full of invective

During the debate, the two candidates hurled invective at each other instead of discussing policy.

collocation: hurl invective at [someone]

同義詞
  • abuse

    Broader term that can include physical mistreatment; 'invective' is specifically verbal.

  • vitriol

    Even stronger, suggesting bitter, corrosive hatred; more intense than invective.

  • vituperation

    More formal and literary; suggests sustained, lengthy verbal abuse.

  • insult

    Can refer to a single remark; 'invective' implies a stream of insulting language.

反義詞

文法句型

invective + against + [person/group]

用法筆記

Invective nearly always refers to spoken or written language, not physical actions. It is stronger than 'criticism' and implies deliberate, harsh insult.

常見錯誤

❌His gentle invective helped me improve.
✅His gentle advice helped me improve.
💡Invective is always harsh and insulting, never gentle or constructive.
❌She expressed some invective about the cold weather.
✅She complained about the cold weather.
💡Invective is used for personal attacks or strong disapproval, not mild annoyance.

invective — adjective