Animadvert Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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animadvert

[หŒanษ™หˆmadหŒvษ™rt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to remark

To animadvert means to make a critical or often unfavourable remark or comment regarding something. It can also imply expressing disapproval or criticism of an action or situation.

Synonyms

comment, criticize, remark.

Examples of usage

  • The professor did not hesitate to animadvert on the students' poor presentations.
  • She chose to animadvert on the government's new policy during the meeting.
  • His tendency to animadvert on their creative choices made the team uneasy.
Context #2 | Verb

to criticize

This term can also refer to the act of casting disapproval or ridicule towards a particular subject or action. It emphasizes a formal way of expressing disagreement.

Synonyms

censure, condemn, debate.

Examples of usage

  • He animadverted on the inefficiency of the process in the report.
  • During the debate, she animadvertently criticized her opponent's point.
  • The article animadverted the corporation's unethical practices.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In classical literature, the term was often used to criticize or highlight moral failures in characters.
  • Many writers, such as Shakespeare, employed it to deliver pointed commentary on human behavior.
  • Its use in poetry often evokes a sense of reflection and critique, enhancing the narrative.

Psychology

  • The ability to animadvert is linked to higher cognitive functions like critical thinking and analysis.
  • People who frequently animadvert on social situations might display more empathy or emotional intelligence.
  • Research suggests that the way we animadvert can influence group dynamics and individual relationships.

Pop Culture

  • In modern media, critics animadvert on films and shows, shaping public perception and discussion.
  • Social media has amplified the ability for individuals to animadvert on global events, influencing culture and trends.
  • Podcasts often encourage listeners to animadvert on societal norms and current events in a humorous way.

Education

  • Teaching students to animadvert allows them to develop analytical writing skills necessary for essays and debates.
  • Promoting discussions where students animadvert on texts helps cultivate critical thought and discourse.
  • Reading diverse texts and encouraging students to animadvert fosters a deeper understanding of language and context.

Origin of 'animadvert'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'animadvert' comes from the Latin 'animadvertere', meaning 'to turn the mind towards'.
  • The roots combine 'anima', meaning 'mind' or 'soul', and 'vertere', meaning 'to turn'.
  • It has been in English usage since the late 16th century, primarily in formal contexts.

The word 'animadvert' derives from the Latin term 'animadvertere', which combines 'animus' meaning 'mind' or 'soul' and 'advertere' meaning 'to turn to' or 'to direct'. This etymological background highlights the notion of directing oneโ€™s attention or criticism towards a specific subject. Entering the English language in the early 17th century, 'animadvert' was primarily a formal and literary term used to express critical remarks, especially in scholarly contexts. Over time, while it has retained its formal tone, it has become less common in everyday language, yet it is still employed in legal and academic discourse to convey a sense of disapproval or examination of actions or policies.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,991, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.