Definitions Related words Mentions History

Literary notes about impugned (AI summary)

The word “impugned” in literature is often employed to cast doubt on established claims or doctrines, thereby challenging their accepted validity. For instance, Plutarch’s use criticizes evidence that supports miraculous occurrences, suggesting that such evidence should not be easily dismissed or impugned [1]. Chesterton, on the other hand, leverages the term to underline the inherent contradictions within religious institutions, explicitly implicating the moral failings of monks as the focus of criticism rather than their virtues [2]. Meanwhile, John Stuart Mill applies “impugned” to question widely held beliefs such as the existence of God and accepted moral doctrines, thereby urging a reconsideration of these long-standing opinions [3].
  1. And I have heard of many miraculous occurrences even at the present day, resting on evidence which cannot be lightly impugned.
    — from Plutarch's Lives, Volume 1 (of 4) by Plutarch
  2. Monasteries were impugned not for the chastity of monks, but for the unchastity of monks.
    — from What's Wrong with the World by G. K. Chesterton
  3. Let the opinions impugned be the belief in a God and in a future state, or any of the commonly received doctrines of morality.
    — from On Liberty by John Stuart Mill

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: Compound Your Joy