aspersions

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “aspersions” is correct and can be used in written English.
Aspersions can be used to describe harsh or critical language that is used to question someone's character or reputation. Example: She cast aspersions on his integrity and credibility.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Aspersions have been cast by some historians on Lord Darnley's sexuality; this film doesn't go as far as the later Glenda Jackson/Vanessa Redgrave version in suggesting that he was having a full-blown affair with Mary's secretary, David Rizzio.

The Guardian - Film

But when someone of Tanya's calibre has success, then the easiest way to tear them down is to cast aspersions.

The Guardian

Casting aspersions on same-sex parents is far from unique to Ireland.

The Guardian

Yet he also made clear that he "reserves the right to defend himself if aspersions are cast on his personal integrity or the quality of his work".

The Economist

The thrust has remained very consistent on both sides, however, with Mr Romney focusing on the feeble state of the economy under Mr Obama, and Mr Obama casting aspersions on Mr Romney's character and achievements.There is still a chance of a right-wing advertising surge in the final weeks of the race.

The Economist

And so it is that David Leonhardt of the New York Times takes to the pages of that infamously vainglorious regional paper to cast envious aspersions on the blessed natural order of American presidential politics.Drawing on new research by Brian Knight, an economist at Brown University, which is full of itself, and Nathan Schiff, a Brown-educated economist toiling in Canada, Mr Leonhardt writes:Mr.

The Economist

There is no evidence to support casting such broad aspersions on America's soldiers.

The Economist

It and its surrogates have spent millions on advertising in swing states, casting aspersions on Mr Romney's conduct as an investor, raising questions about his finances and generally impugning his character.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aspersions" when you want to indicate that someone's reputation or character is being attacked with false or misleading information. It's stronger than simple criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "aspersions" when describing general disagreements. "Aspersions" specifically target someone's character or integrity, not just their opinions or actions.

Linguistic Context

Aspersions primarily functions as a noun, often used in the plural form, to denote damaging or derogatory remarks or insinuations. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase appears in contexts involving accusations and character attacks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "aspersions" is a noun that refers to derogatory or damaging remarks, often used in the plural form. According to Ludwig, the term is grammatically correct and very commonly used, especially within News & Media and Encyclopedia contexts. It is often employed to report or describe situations involving defamation, slander, or libel, and used in contexts where someone's reputation is under attack. While the word itself carries a negative connotation, it is often used objectively. To avoid misapplication, remember that "aspersions" specifically target character or integrity, not just opinions or actions. Alternatives include "defamatory statements" or "slanderous remarks", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Casting slurs

Focuses on making insulting or disparaging remarks, often based on prejudice.

Disparaging remarks

Highlights remarks that aim to diminish the value or importance of someone or something.

Derogatory comments

Focuses on comments that are disrespectful and belittling.

Slanderous remarks

Implies spoken statements that are both false and damaging to one's reputation.

Damaging allegations

Emphasizes claims that can cause significant harm to reputation or standing.

Defamatory statements

Refers specifically to statements that damage someone's reputation through false information.

Libelous accusations

Denotes written accusations that are false and damaging.

Pejorative assertions

Emphasizes assertions that are intended to be insulting or disapproving.

Negative insinuations

Refers to subtle hints or suggestions that are critical or damaging.

Unfavorable imputations

Highlights indirect suggestions that cast doubt on someone's character.

FAQs

How to use "aspersions" in a sentence?

You can use "aspersions" to describe the act of casting doubt or making damaging remarks about someone's character. For example, "They cast "aspersions" on his honesty during the trial".

What can I say instead of "aspersions"?

You can use alternatives like "defamatory statements", "slanderous remarks", or "derogatory comments" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "casting aspersions" or "casting aspertions"?

"Casting "aspersions"" is the correct phrase. "Aspertions" is a misspelling and does not carry the intended meaning of making damaging or critical remarks.

What's the difference between "aspersions" and "criticisms"?

"Aspersions" implies a more malicious intent, focusing on damaging someone's reputation with false or misleading statements. "Criticisms" are more general expressions of disapproval or fault-finding, without necessarily attacking character.