opprobrious

IPA/əˈprəʊbriəs/
IPA/əˈprəʊbriəs/

opprobrious — adjective

  • opprobriouspositive
  • more opprobriouscomparative
  • most opprobrioussuperlative

1. (of language, writing, or speech) expressing very strong disapproval or blame in

1.形容詞C2
釋義

(of language, writing, or speech) expressing very strong disapproval or blame in a way that is insulting and offensive.

例句

The critic published an opprobrious review of the young novelist's first book.

opprobrious review of [somebody's work]

Anjali was shocked by the opprobrious language her colleague used during the debate.

同義詞
  • abusive

    less formal and more common; can describe physical or verbal mistreatment

  • insulting

    slightly less formal; focuses on hurting someone's dignity

  • scurrilous

    similar register but emphasises grossly obscene or vulgar attacks

  • vituperative

    equally formal; suggests sustained, bitter verbal attack

反義詞

文法句型

opprobrious + noun (language/remarks/review/accusations)

用法筆記

Typically describes words or writing — reviews, editorials, remarks, language. Almost always modifies a noun; rarely used as a predicate complement.

常見錯誤

❌The manager was opprobrious about the mistake.' (using it to mean 'angry').
✅The manager made opprobrious remarks about the mistake.
💡opprobrious describes the language, not the person's emotion.
❌She gave him an opprobrious look.' (about a facial expression).
✅She made opprobrious comments about his work.
💡opprobrious applies to words, not looks or gestures.

2. (of actions, behavior, or character) so shameful that it deserves public condemn

2.形容詞C2
釋義

(of actions, behavior, or character) so shameful that it deserves public condemnation and a loss of respect.

例句

The historian carefully documented the opprobrious acts committed during the occupation.

opprobrious acts

The committee condemned the company's opprobrious treatment of its factory workers.

同義詞
  • disgraceful

    far more common; less formal and less forceful

  • shameful

    common; focuses on the feeling of shame the act should cause

  • ignominious

    similar register; emphasises public humiliation and loss of honour

  • infamous

    famous for bad reasons; well-known disgrace

反義詞

文法句型

opprobrious + noun (conduct/acts/behavior/treatment)

用法筆記

Describes the quality of an action or character, not the person directly. You say 'opprobrious conduct', not 'an opprobrious person.'

常見錯誤

❌He is an opprobrious man.' (calling a person opprobrious).
✅His opprobrious behavior shocked everyone.
💡opprobrious describes the conduct, not the individual.