calumny

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "calumny" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that refers to the act of making untrue, malicious statements intended to defame or undermine someone's reputation. Example sentence: The malicious calumnies spread by her boss caused her to become ostracized at work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the Sun, Juncker is "the most dangerous man in Europe", the son of a "Nazi" – an improbable calumny.

The Guardian

But this year the two frontrunners on the five-strong shortlist have spurred intense debate at home, with critics arguing that one, Polish film Ida, misrepresents the country's past, and that another, Andrei Zvyaginstev's Leviathan, spreads calumny on Russia's present and its ruling regime.

The Guardian - Film

This is mostly a calumny: the epicentre was the American mortgage market, one of the most regulated industries on Earth, and Leviathan's hand was all over much of the mess that followed.

The Economist

Marie, who runs a massage parlour in the Midlands, is indignant at the latest calumny on her profession.

The Economist

"I have no doubt", the prime minister hinted darkly, "that the truth behind this calumny will soon come out".

The Economist

That is a vengeful and vicious calumny against Zionism… However, I do believe that the South African experience needs to be studied".

The Economist

Desoufflage is therefore being felt through the loss in the value of dollar-denominated assets and the knock-on effects of this.Georges Hébert Westmount, CanadaPolitical theory* SIR – The Anarchist Anti-Defamation League has informed me of The Economist's latest vile slur, absurdity, and calumny against anarchy.

The Economist

From the Daily Telegraph to the shadow cabinet, the hitherto demoralised forces of Conservatism seem strangely energised by Mr Blair's calumny.

The Economist

Mr Blair's public position is that she is "brilliant", that she has made courageous decisions in difficult circumstances, and that the Ulster Unionists' latest bitter complaints about her are the sort of calumny that every Northern Ireland secretary has had to put up with.

The Economist

Squatting vendors of tea and kebab jostle soapbox ranters hawking high ideals and dirty calumny.

The Economist

Despite a flood of innuendo and calumny from regime mouthpieces, independent newspapers and television channels have given the newcomer a fair hearing.He may also benefit from having spent most of the past 30 years abroad.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "calumny", ensure that the context clearly indicates a deliberate attempt to damage someone's reputation through false statements. Avoid using it for unintentional misrepresentations.

Common error

Avoid using "calumny" when referring to simple mistakes or misunderstandings. "Calumny" implies a malicious intent to deceive and harm, not just an error in judgment.

Linguistic Context

The noun "calumny" functions primarily as a subject or object in sentences, denoting the act of making false and defamatory statements. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, often relating to accusations and damage to reputation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calumny" refers to a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone. Ludwig AI confirms it's a grammatically correct noun, commonly used in formal contexts like news and media, encyclopedias, and science. When using "calumny", ensure the context involves a deliberate attempt to harm through falsehoods, differentiating it from unintentional errors. Alternatives include "slander" and "defamation". Remember, using "calumny" correctly adds precision and gravity to your writing, especially when condemning deliberate acts of spreading misinformation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vilification

Highlights the act of making someone a villain through false statements, synonymous with "calumny".

false accusation

Focuses on the act of accusing someone falsely, a key component of "calumny".

defamatory statement

Highlights the damaging nature of the statement, similar to the effect of "calumny".

libelous remark

Specifically refers to written defamation, a type of "calumny".

slanderous comment

Specifically refers to spoken defamation, another type of "calumny".

untrue allegation

Emphasizes the falsity of the claim, which is central to "calumny".

malicious falsehood

Highlights the intent to harm, a key element of "calumny".

false representation

Focuses on misrepresenting facts, which can lead to "calumny".

character assassination

Emphasizes the intent to destroy someone's reputation, a consequence of "calumny".

smear campaign

Refers to a coordinated effort to spread "calumny".

FAQs

How can I use "calumny" in a sentence?

You can use "calumny" to describe false and malicious statements intended to damage someone's reputation. For instance, "The politician accused his opponent of spreading "calumny" during the campaign".

What are some alternatives to the word "calumny"?

Alternatives to "calumny" include "slander", "libel", "defamation", "vilification", and "false accusation", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "calumny" and "slander"?

"Calumny" is a general term for false and malicious statements intended to harm someone's reputation. "Slander" specifically refers to spoken defamation, while libel refers to written defamation. Calumny can encompass both.

Is "calumny" a formal or informal word?

"Calumny" is a formal word, often used in legal or official contexts to describe serious accusations. In more casual settings, words like "smear" or "falsehood" might be more appropriate.