opprobrious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'opprobrious' is correct and can be used in written English.
It means expressing contempt or criticism in a scornful or insulting manner. Example: The politician's opprobrious remarks about his opponent caused a public outcry and damaged his reputation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Everyone who contradicted him," wrote one of Marx's contemporaries, "he treated with abject contempt; every argument that he did not like he answered either with biting scorn at the unfathomable ignorance that had prompted it, or with opprobrious aspersions upon the motives of him who had advanced it".

The Economist

It is hard to disagree that the candidates are "uninspiring" and "unappealing" although more opprobrious epithets could be used.

The Economist

Usage recognizes no clear distinction between logistic and nonlogistic services, but a somewhat blurred one has grown out of the traditional and opprobrious identification of logistics with noncombat rear-area activities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And vessels of noxious cargo, like nuclear waste, or of dubious skipperdom, like rusting freighters full of duped refugees, might earn an opprobrious capitalization: It.

The New Yorker

The book was in proof the week of 9/11 and Sanders considered removing these opprobrious references, but wisely decided this would distort the way Manhattan was perceived by both himself and his readers.

The Guardian - Film

But how hard to make a Man appear a Fool, a Blockhead, or a Knave, without using any of those opprobrious terms!

The Guardian - Music

Which opprobrious youth cult will catch his eagle eye next?

The Guardian - Music

The Suffolk County judge Jeffrey Spinner ruled in court that OneWest's conduct was "inequitable, unconscionable, vexatious and opprobrious" for the way it treated a Long Island couple in 2009.

The Guardian

The words "Tory" and "Whig" entered the language as highly opprobrious slurs, but were later adopted by the parties to which they referred.

The New York Times

For nationalistic bias is opprobrious only if judged in terms of the standard of universalism… Thus by the very process of condemning their violation, the mores are reaffirmed" (1968, 8).

SEP

In contrast, an individual who fails in his striving in the Akan community may be judged as onipa hun, which literally means "useless person," an opprobrious expression.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "opprobrious", ensure that the context warrants such strong language and that the audience will understand the intensity of the condemnation being expressed.

Common error

Avoid using "opprobrious" in contexts where a milder term of disapproval would suffice. Using it inappropriately can make your writing sound overly dramatic or biased.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "opprobrious" primarily functions to describe nouns, typically words, actions, or behaviors, that are deserving of strong condemnation or scorn. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correctly used to express contempt or criticism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "opprobrious" is used to describe something that elicits strong disapproval or condemnation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and appropriateness in expressing contempt or criticism. Its usage is most common in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, indicating a formal and serious tone. When using "opprobrious", consider its intensity and ensure that the context warrants such strong language. Avoid overuse in neutral contexts to maintain clarity and impact. Some useful related phrases are "scornful" and "derogatory", among others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scornful

Focuses on the expression of contempt or disdain.

derogatory

Emphasizes the belittling or disparaging nature of the expression.

contemptuous

Highlights the feeling or expression of contempt.

disparaging

Stresses the action of speaking slightingly about someone or something.

abusive

Focuses on the harmful or offensive nature of the expression.

denunciatory

Highlights the act of publicly condemning someone or something.

censorious

Emphasizes the tendency to be critical or fault-finding.

vitriolic

Stresses the bitterness and caustic nature of the expression.

invective

Refers to the use of abusive language.

pejorative

Highlights the expression of disapproval or belittling.

FAQs

How to use "opprobrious" in a sentence?

Use "opprobrious" to describe language or actions that express severe disapproval or contempt. For instance, "The politician's speech was filled with "opprobrious" remarks about his opponents."

What's the difference between "opprobrious" and "derogatory"?

"Opprobrious" implies a stronger sense of public condemnation and disgrace, while "derogatory" simply means disparaging or belittling. "Opprobrious" is more severe.

What are some synonyms for "opprobrious"?

Synonyms for "opprobrious" include "scornful", "contemptuous", "abusive", and "disparaging". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "opprobrious" a formal or informal word?

"Opprobrious" is a more formal and elevated word, typically used in serious or academic contexts rather than in everyday conversation.