aspersion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal
Quick answer
What does “aspersion” mean?
A damaging or derogatory remark.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A damaging or derogatory remark; the act of slandering or defaming.
The act of casting doubt or disparagement on someone's character, reputation, or integrity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The phrase 'cast aspersions' is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally formal and negative in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in formal writing and political discourse, but broadly comparable.
Grammar
How to Use “aspersion” in a Sentence
cast aspersions on/upon [something/someone]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aspersion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A. The verb form 'asperse' is archaic and virtually never used.
American English
- N/A. The verb form 'asperse' is archaic and virtually never used.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A. 'Aspersive' is a rarely used adjective.
American English
- N/A. 'Aspersive' is a rarely used adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used in formal reports or disputes regarding professional ethics or reputation, e.g., 'The report cast aspersions on the board's governance.'
Academic
Used in historical, political, or literary criticism to describe defamatory discourse, e.g., 'The pamphlet cast aspersions on the philosopher's motives.'
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Used in more formal discussions about gossip or accusations.
Technical
Not used in scientific contexts. Primarily a lexical item in law, journalism, and rhetoric.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aspersion”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aspersion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aspersion”
- Using it as a singular noun without 'cast' (e.g., 'He made an aspersion' is non-idiomatic). Confusing it with 'assertion' or 'aspiration'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is extremely rare and sounds unnatural. The word is almost always used in the plural form 'aspersions' within the fixed phrase 'cast/throw aspersions'.
It comes from the Latin 'aspergere' meaning 'to sprinkle'. Historically, it could refer to sprinkling water (as in baptism) but evolved to mean 'to bespatter with accusations'.
No, it is a formal, C1-level word. Its use is confined to specific contexts like formal writing, journalism, and rhetoric, primarily within the set phrase 'cast aspersions'.
'To criticise unfairly', 'to badmouth', 'to run down', or 'to smear' (the latter being informal).
Aspersion is usually formal in register.
Aspersion: in British English it is pronounced /əˈspɜːʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈspɜːrʒ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cast/throw aspersions on/upon”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone SPEARING someone else's good name with poisonous words (A-SPER-SION). They are 'casting' these verbal spears (aspersions).
Conceptual Metaphor
VERBAL ATTACK AS PHYSICAL THROWING (casting slurs), REPUTATION AS A CLEAN OBJECT THAT CAN BE BESMIRCHED (from Latin 'aspergere' = to sprinkle, as with mud).
Practice
Quiz
What is the meaning of the phrase 'to cast aspersions'?