reviler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, or rhetorical. Used more often in written contexts such as political commentary, historical analysis, or literary critique than in casual speech.
Quick answer
What does “reviler” mean?
A person who uses abusive or scornful language to attack someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who uses abusive or scornful language to attack someone; one who reviles.
Someone who habitually or publicly expresses strong condemnation, contempt, or verbal abuse towards others, often in a manner meant to shame or degrade.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or frequency. Slightly more likely to appear in British historical or political journalism.
Connotations
Both varieties carry a formal, somewhat archaic tone. May imply a moralistic or self-righteous stance in the reviler.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. More common in 19th-century texts than modern usage.
Grammar
How to Use “reviler” in a Sentence
[reviler] + of + [target/ideology][reviler] + against + [target/group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might describe a competitor who launches abusive ad campaigns.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or political studies to describe figures known for polemical attacks.
Everyday
Virtually never used. 'Someone who's always putting people down' would be the natural paraphrase.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reviler”
- Using 'reviler' for casual insults. Confusing with 'revealer'. Misspelling as 'revellor'. Using in A2-B1 level writing where 'critic' or 'insulter' is more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word mostly found in literary, historical, or rhetorical contexts.
No, 'reviler' is only a noun. The verb form is 'to revile'.
A critic analyzes and evaluates, which can be positive or negative. A reviler specializes in abusive, scornful, or contemptuous verbal attacks.
Strongly negative. It describes someone engaged in reprehensible behavior, though it may be used admiringly in certain polemical contexts to describe someone's fierce opposition.
A person who uses abusive or scornful language to attack someone.
Reviler is usually formal, literary, or rhetorical. used more often in written contexts such as political commentary, historical analysis, or literary critique than in casual speech. in register.
Reviler: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈvaɪlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈvaɪlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'reviler'. Related: 'hurl invective', 'pile on the abuse'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'REVILE' means to criticize abusively. A 'reviler' is the one doing it. Link to 'vile'—a reviler uses vile language.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CRITIC IS AN AGGRESSOR (verbal aggression as weaponry).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'reviler' LEAST likely to be used?