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imprecate

C2
UK/ˈɪmprɪkeɪt/US/ˈɪmprəˌkeɪt/

Formal, literary

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Definition

Meaning

To invoke evil or a curse upon someone; to curse.

To express strong disapproval or wish harm upon someone, often in a formal or solemn manner.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Often used in religious, legal, or poetic contexts. Implies a solemn invocation of harm.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage.

Connotations

Equally formal and rare in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally infrequent in both British and American English.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
imprecate curses
medium
imprecate againstimprecate upon
weak
imprecate someone

Grammar

Valency Patterns

imprecate against someoneimprecate curses on someoneimprecate upon someone

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

damnexecrate

Neutral

curse

Weak

denouncecondemn

Vocabulary

Antonyms

blesspraisecommend

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “No common idioms.”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Rarely used; not typical in business contexts.

Academic

Used in literary analysis, theology, or historical texts.

Everyday

Almost never used in everyday conversation.

Technical

May appear in linguistic studies or religious writings.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

  • He would imprecate against his enemies.
  • The priest imprecated divine wrath upon the village.

American English

  • She imprecated curses upon the thief.
  • They imprecated against the corrupt system.

adverb

British English

  • He spoke imprecatingly.
  • She glared imprecatingly at the offender.

American English

  • She looked at him imprecatingly.
  • He muttered imprecatingly under his breath.

adjective

British English

  • His imprecatory speech was frightening.
  • The imprecatory verses in the poem were ominous.

American English

  • The imprecatory tone of the letter was alarming.
  • An imprecatory gesture accompanied his words.

Examples

By CEFR Level

A2
  • In fairy tales, witches imprecate curses.
  • The angry king imprecated.
B1
  • She imprecated against the unfair treatment.
  • He imprecated upon hearing the bad news.
B2
  • The judge imprecated severe penalties on the corrupt officials.
  • Protesters imprecated against the government's policies.
C1
  • His habit of imprecating at minor inconveniences showed a lack of emotional control.
  • The scholar's imprecation was a solemn invocation of historical justice.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'IMPrecate' as 'IMProperly RECITE' curses.

Conceptual Metaphor

CURSING IS INVOKING SUPERHARM

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Might confuse with 'impregnate' due to similar spelling.
  • The Russian equivalent 'проклинать' is correct but more common in usage.

Common Mistakes

  • Using it in informal contexts.
  • Incorrect preposition, e.g., 'imprecate to' instead of 'imprecate against'.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The old witch would often curses on her enemies.
Multiple Choice

What does 'imprecate' mean?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is a rare and formal word, typically used in literary or religious contexts.

It is not recommended for everyday speech as it sounds overly formal or archaic.

'Imprecate' is more formal and often implies a solemn invocation, while 'curse' is more general and common.

In British English, it's pronounced /ˈɪmprɪkeɪt/, and in American English, /ˈɪmprəˌkeɪt/.