Denunciatory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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denunciatory

[dɪˈnʌnsiəˌtɔːri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a critical manner

Expressing or containing strong criticism or condemnation.

Synonyms

accusatory, condemnatory, critical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
denunciatory	Similar to 'denunciatory,' but also implies a sense of public outing or exposing wrongdoing. His denunciatory letter exposed the corruption within the organization. The denunciatory tone of her speech left many feeling uneasy.
condemnatory	Used to express complete disapproval in a strong and formal manner, often with moral judgement. The report was condemnatory of the company's environmental practices. Her condemnatory remarks about the book's subject matter sparked controversy.
accusatory	Appropriate in situations where someone is being blamed or accused of something. His accusatory tone made her feel defensive and upset. The lawyer's accusatory questions aimed to reveal inconsistencies in the witness's story.
critical	Appropriate for expressing disapproval or finding faults, but can also be used in more neutral contexts where constructive feedback is given. The coach was critical of the team's performance and pointed out their mistakes. Her critical review of the film mentioned both its strengths and weaknesses.

Examples of usage

He received a denunciatory letter from his former boss.
The denunciatory tone of the article was evident to all readers.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in a disapproving way

Expressing strong disapproval or censure.

Synonyms

censuring, condemning, disapproving.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
denunciatory	Use when making a formal or public accusation against someone or something. Often, it's a strong and forceful expression of disapproval. His denunciatory speech against the corrupt officials shocked everyone at the town hall meeting
disapproving	Suitable for general expression of dislike or disapproval, typically less formal and less intense than 'denouncing' or 'condemning'. She gave a disapproving look when she saw the mess in the kitchen
censuring	Appropriate when expressing official or formal disapproval or criticism, especially in a political or formal setting. The committee issued a censuring statement against the member's unethical behavior
condemning	Best used when expressing complete and strong disapproval, often suggesting a moral judgment. The community condemned the actions of the vandal who destroyed the local park

Examples of usage

His denunciatory remarks towards the government did not go unnoticed.
The denunciatory language used in the speech sparked a heated debate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

Often found in court documents where one party publicly accuses another of misconduct.
Can also apply to whistleblowing, where an employee reports illegal actions of their employer.
Denunciatory statements can lead to further investigations depending on their seriousness.

Literature

Used in political literature to critique governments or societal issues, aiming to spark change.
Authors like George Orwell employed denunciatory language to express criticism of totalitarian regimes.
Denunciatory works often have a persuasive tone, urging readers to take action against injustices.

Psychology

Denunciatory messages can evoke strong emotional reactions, often resulting in conflict or polarization.
The need to denounce can stem from moral outrage, as individuals feel compelled to defend their values.
Studies have shown that public denunciations can also serve as social bonding experiences for those who share similar beliefs.

Pop Culture

Reality TV often features denunciatory moments where cast members expose each other's secrets.
Popular music sometimes incorporates denunciatory themes, addressing social issues or personal grievances.
Fictional characters in movies and books frequently use denunciatory phrases to develop plots and conflicts.

Origin of 'denunciatory'

Main points about word origin

Derived from the Latin word 'denuntiare', which means 'to announce' or 'to proclaim'.
Used in legal contexts since the 19th century, where it described formal accusations.
The addition of the suffix '-ory' transforms it into an adjective that describes something related to making denouncements.

The word 'denunciatory' originates from the Latin word 'denuntiatus', meaning 'to announce or declare'. Over time, the term evolved to convey a sense of strong criticism or condemnation. The use of denunciatory language has been prevalent in various forms of communication, including literature, politics, and journalism, to express disapproval or condemnation towards a particular subject or individual.