Definitions Related words Mentions History

Literary notes about animadversion (AI summary)

In literature, the word "animadversion" is often used to underscore a particularly harsh or pointed criticism, as seen in classical texts. For example, in Suetonius' account of the Caesars, animadversion is depicted almost as a vivid artistic portrayal—its targets are "painted in the strongest colours" and strategically placed in the most noticeable spots, suggesting that such criticism is both emphatic and unmissable [1]. This usage emphasizes not only the intensity of the disapproval but also the deliberate and conspicuous manner in which negative judgments are displayed, reflecting the broader literary tradition of using striking imagery to convey moral and political censure.
  1. The various objects of animadversion are painted in the strongest colours, and placed in the most conspicuous points of view.
    — from The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Complete by Suetonius

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux