aspersion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aspersion" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something, often in the context of making derogatory remarks. Example: "The politician faced aspersions about his character during the debate, but he remained focused on the issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Instead the countryside should be considered a luxury - reserved for wildlife, un-manned agricultural vehicles and electric coaches full of gawping tourists.Huw Sayer NorwichSIR —Perhaps more than one of your readers will object to your aspersion that country folks are seemingly bumpkins and the soil a tyrant.

The Economist

He also casts aspersion on the belief that "progress toward decency can only move in the direction of easing sanctions on the guilty", as does Justice Alito, who frets that the court's eighth-amendment case law "is now entirely inward looking".

The Economist

That is only the latest aspersion cast on various police forces by this affair.

The Economist

On the basis that the contractors in question work in more or less every offshore field in the world, the commission found, this amounts to a systemic failure in the industry.The American Petroleum Institute (API) sees this aspersion on the industry as a whole as unfair, since however much work those companies do they are only three in a sector of hundreds.

The Economist

But his cool supervision of what followed, and his brave decision to send men in helicopters rather than bombs from afar, have made a nonsense of the much-repeated Republican refrain that he is soft on terrorism or a favourite aspersion—"in over his head" on national security.

The Economist

Mr Rushdie is a proper intellectual, an aspersion nobody has cast at Mr Hoddle.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Positivism is in no danger of sweeping such journalism away in toto; American newspapers and airwaves are full, far too full, of shouters, table-bangers, aspersion-casters and heartstring-tuggers.

The Economist

Now I hate to cast aspersions … but then isn't aspersion-casting about our newly suntanned, transatlantic successes another noble British tradition?

The Guardian - Film

Both sides were casting aspersions, with Labor insiders claiming its members were being goaded by a deliberately aggressive prime minister eager to turn the tables after a damaging week.

The Guardian

Lost in Showbiz has no wish to cast aspersions, but it merely notes with interest that Goop has published pieces on something called "bee venom therapy" and something else called "bee sting therapy", a "Beehive Glossary", a selection of "Products From The Hive" and indeed a selection of "UnBEElievably Easy Recipes".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After all, this increased activity in female worship follows hard upon the broadcaster's recent complications with its leading football presenters and certain aspersions cast on the professional abilities of a female linesman.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aspersion", ensure the context clearly indicates an attack on someone's reputation or integrity. For enhanced clarity, use it with verbs like "cast", "throw", or "sling".

Common error

Avoid using "aspersion" when describing general disagreements or differences of opinion. This word specifically refers to attacks on character or reputation, not simple disagreements. For instance, do not say "He cast aspersion on my idea" if he simply disagreed with it; instead, reserve "aspersion" for situations where the critique is a personal attack.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "aspersion" is as a noun. It commonly functions as the object of verbs like "cast", "throw", or "sling", indicating an act of directing negative remarks or attacks toward someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aspersion" is a noun used to describe an attack on someone's reputation or integrity. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. It often appears with verbs like "cast", "throw", or "sling", and is typically employed in neutral to formal settings, such as in news and media or encyclopedic content. Related terms include "defamation", "slander", and "calumny", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. When using "aspersion", ensure it correctly reflects an attack on character rather than a simple disagreement. Ludwig's examples showcase the diverse application of this term across reputable sources, reinforcing its validity and utility in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defamation

Focuses specifically on damaging someone's reputation through false statements.

slander

Refers to spoken defamation.

libel

Specifically denotes written defamation.

calumny

Implies a false and malicious statement designed to harm someone's reputation.

denigration

Emphasizes the act of belittling or disparaging someone or something.

slur

Suggests a disparaging or insulting remark that damages someone's reputation.

accusation

Highlights the act of formally charging someone with wrongdoing.

criticism

Denotes the expression of disapproval based on perceived faults or errors.

censure

Implies a formal expression of disapproval or condemnation.

reproach

Suggests a mild form of criticism or disapproval, often implying a sense of disappointment.

FAQs

How to use "aspersion" in a sentence?

You typically "cast", "throw", or "sling" an "aspersion" on someone or something. For example, "He cast an "aspersion" on her professional abilities during the meeting."

What can I say instead of "aspersion"?

You can use alternatives like "defamation", "slander", or "calumny", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "cast aspersion" or "cast aspersions"?

Both "cast aspersion" and "cast aspersions" are grammatically correct, but "cast aspersions" is more common. "Aspersions" implies multiple instances or types of attacks, whereas "aspersion" suggests a single instance or a general sense of disparagement.

What's the difference between "aspersion" and "criticism"?

"Aspersion" implies an attack on someone's reputation or character, often with malicious intent. "Criticism", on the other hand, is a more general term for expressing disapproval or pointing out faults, without necessarily implying malice or an attack on character.