sniping
sniping — noun
1. unkind or unfair remarks that attack someone personally rather than engaging wit
unkind or unfair remarks that attack someone personally rather than engaging with their ideas, work, or achievements
The journalist faced constant sniping from online commenters who disagreed with her reporting.
faced constant sniping from [group]
Rather than debating the policy, the opposition resorted to personal sniping against the minister.
personal sniping against [person]
Reema ignored the sniping from her colleagues and focused on finishing the project on time.
Sniping between the two candidates turned the town hall debate into a bitter shouting match.
Gabriel's research was groundbreaking, but it attracted relentless sniping from senior academics in his field.
- criticism
broader and more neutral; sniping implies personal, unfair attacks
- disparagement
more formal; implies belittling rather than attacking
- backbiting
implies criticism done behind someone's back
- praise
positive recognition of someone's work or character
用法筆記
Always uncountable. Often appears in the pattern 'sniping from [a person or group]' or 'sniping against [a person or group]'.
常見錯誤
2. the practice of firing a gun at people from a concealed place, typically at long
the practice of firing a gun at people from a concealed place, typically at long range by a lone shooter
The patrol came under heavy sniping from a building near the market square.
came under sniping from [location]
Sniping from the hillside made it impossible for supply trucks to reach the camp.
Three soldiers were wounded by sniping during a supposed ceasefire.
The commander ordered extra sandbags after a week of nightly sniping from the forest edge.
Sniping continued after dark, keeping the entire battalion awake and pinned down.
- gunfire
broader — includes all shooting, not just from hidden positions
- sharpshooting
emphasises accuracy rather than concealment
用法筆記
Uncountable noun describing the general activity. When referring to a specific shot, use 'a sniper shot' or 'a sniper's bullet' instead.
sniping — verb
- snipingpresent simple I / you / we / they
- snipings3rd person singular
- snipinging-ing form
- snipingedpast simple
1. to shoot at someone from a hidden position, often at long range, with the aim of
to shoot at someone from a hidden position, often at long range, with the aim of hitting them
Rebel fighters sniped at government troops from the rooftops of abandoned houses.
snipe at + [target] from [location]
During the siege, enemy marksmen sniped at anyone who tried to cross the main street.
The hunter sniped at the boar from behind a log, but the bullet missed by inches.
Rania heard bullets whiz past as someone sniped from the clock tower above the square.
Haruto's grandfather sniped for the army during the mountain campaign of nineteen forty-four.
- sharpshoot
more formal and less common; emphasises precision rather than hiding
- fire at
generic; lacks the element of concealment
文法句型
snipe at + someone/something
用法筆記
Intransitive — requires a prepositional phrase with 'at' (target) or 'from' (position). Frequently used in military and conflict contexts.
常見錯誤
2. to make repeated unfair or unpleasant remarks about someone, often in public or
to make repeated unfair or unpleasant remarks about someone, often in public or in the media, aiming to damage their reputation
Opponents of Senator Torres sniped at her voting record during the televised forum.
snipe at + [person] over/about [topic]
Instead of offering useful advice, Kevin sniped about every small mistake in the budget report.
Trolls sniped at the young actress for her dress at the awards ceremony.
The two columnists sniped at each other for months in the letters section of the paper.
Lotte sniped at her brother's cooking, calling it bland and far too salty.
- praise
to express approval or admiration
文法句型
snipe at + someone (criticise)
用法筆記
Intransitive — always takes 'at' before the target. Common in political, media, and workplace contexts. Unlike the noun form 'sniping', the verb directly describes the act of criticising.