animadversion
|an-i-mad-ver-sion|
🇺🇸
/ˌænɪmædˈvɝːʒən/
🇬🇧
/ˌænɪmædˈvɜːʒ(ə)n/
critical notice; censure
Etymology
'animadversion' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'animadversio(n-)', from 'animadvertere,' where 'animus' meant 'mind,' 'ad-' meant 'toward,' and 'vertere' meant 'to turn.'
'animadversio' in post-classical Latin was borrowed into Early Modern English scholarly use and eventually became the modern English word 'animadversion.'
Initially, it meant 'the act of turning the mind to; notice or observation' and also 'censure or punishment'; over time, it narrowed to its prevailing sense of 'critical remark' or 'censure.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a critical remark or pointed comment; a sharp observation expressing disapproval.
The reviewer’s animadversion on the novel’s pacing felt unduly harsh.
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Noun 2
criticism or censure in general; the act of expressing strong disapproval.
The proposal drew widespread animadversion from industry leaders.
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Noun 3
archaic: an observation or remark (not necessarily negative), especially one calling attention to something.
His preface contains animadversion upon the earlier edition.
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Last updated: 2025/08/11 15:38