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animadversion

noun
an·​i·​mad·​ver·​sion | \ ˌa-nə-ˌmad-ˈvər-zhən , -məd-, -ˈvər-shən\

Definition of animadversion

1 : a critical and usually censorious remark —often used with on
2 : adverse criticism
Animadversion Has Latin Roots Example Sentences Learn More about animadversion

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Animadversion Has Latin Roots

Animadversion comes ultimately from the Latin phrase animum advertere, meaning "to turn the mind to." It is easy to see how we also get "adverse" and "adversary" from "advertere," especially when we remember that "to turn to" easily becomes "to turn against." Other English words descended from "advertere" include advert, meaning "to turn the attention (to) or "to make reference (to)," and "advertise."

Examples of animadversion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Margonelli would take exception to my animadversion—as stepping stones to other ventures. — Howard Schneider, WSJ, "‘Underbug’ Review: Termites and Us," 23 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'animadversion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of animadversion

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for animadversion

Latin animadversion-, animadversio, from animadvertere

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Dictionary Entries near animadversion

anilox

anils

anima

animadversion

animadvert

animae mundi

animal

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Time Traveler for animadversion

The first known use of animadversion was in 1583

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