to make untrue and harmful statements about
- how dare you asperse the character of our dedicated pastor!
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Frequently Asked Questions About asperse
How does the verb asperse differ from other similar words?
Some common synonyms of asperse are calumniate, defame, malign, slander, traduce, and vilify. While all these words mean "to injure by speaking ill of," asperse implies continued attack on a reputation often by indirect or insinuated detraction.
both candidates aspersed the other's motives
When could calumniate be used to replace asperse?
The words calumniate and asperse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, calumniate imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions.
falsely calumniated as a traitor
When is it sensible to use defame instead of asperse?
The words defame and asperse can be used in similar contexts, but defame stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name.
sued them for defaming her reputation
When is malign a more appropriate choice than asperse?
The synonyms malign and asperse are sometimes interchangeable, but malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying.
the most maligned monarch in British history
Where would slander be a reasonable alternative to asperse?
The meanings of slander and asperse largely overlap; however, slander stresses the suffering of the victim.
town gossips slandered their good name
When might traduce be a better fit than asperse?
In some situations, the words traduce and asperse are roughly equivalent. However, traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim.
so traduced the governor that he was driven from office
When can vilify be used instead of asperse?
Although the words vilify and asperse have much in common, vilify implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse.
no criminal was more vilified in the press
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Time Traveler for asperse
The first known use of asperse was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century