reviled: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “reviled” mean?
to criticize someone or something in a very abusive and insulting way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to criticize someone or something in a very abusive and insulting way; to be the subject of intense scorn or hate.
To be subjected to widespread condemnation or intense public hatred, often implying the criticism is unfair, extreme, or based on prejudice. Can describe a person, group, idea, or action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Possibly more common in UK political/journalistic contexts.
Connotations
Equally strong in both dialects, suggesting profound contempt.
Frequency
Low-frequency in everyday speech in both regions; more common in written, formal, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “reviled” in a Sentence
be reviled as + NOUN PHRASE (He was reviled as a traitor.)be reviled for + GERUND/NOUN PHRASE (She was reviled for betraying their trust.)be reviled by + AGENT (The law was reviled by activists.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reviled” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The press reviled the minister for his handling of the crisis.
- He is a figure reviled by many for his controversial policies.
American English
- The proposal was reviled by environmental groups.
- A once-reviled politician is now seeking redemption.
adverb
British English
- [Rarely used as an adverb.]
American English
- [Rarely used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- He was the most reviled man in the country.
- She spoke in defence of the reviled policy.
American English
- The reviled tax law was finally repealed.
- He endured life as a reviled public figure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in commentary: "The CEO was reviled by shareholders after the scandal."
Academic
Used in historical, political, or literary analysis to describe the reception of figures, ideas, or works.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used for emphasis in serious discussions about public figures or controversial topics.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reviled”
- Confusing 'reviled' with 'revealed'.
- Using it for mild criticism (overuse).
- Incorrect: 'He reviled on the government.' Correct: 'He reviled the government.' or 'The government was reviled.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a mid-to-low frequency word (C1 level) used primarily in formal, journalistic, or literary contexts to express extreme criticism or hatred.
"Criticized" is neutral and can be constructive. "Reviled" is intensely negative, abusive, and implies hatred or deep contempt from the criticizer.
No, it is exclusively negative. However, you can say someone was "unjustly reviled" or "once reviled, now praised."
It is most commonly used in the passive voice ("was reviled") to describe the status of the person or thing receiving the hatred.
to criticize someone or something in a very abusive and insulting way.
Reviled is usually formal, literary, journalistic. in register.
Reviled: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈvaɪld/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈvaɪld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly used in idioms. The word itself carries idiomatic force.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'RE-VILED' = someone treated with VILE language again (RE-) and again.
Conceptual Metaphor
HATRED IS A WEAPON (verbal attacks), SOCIAL DISAPPROVAL IS A STORM (to be reviled is to be caught in a storm of criticism).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'reviled' CORRECTLY?