Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/kəˈlʌm.nɪəs/

Definitions

• 1. Involving or characterized by calumny (false and malicious accusations).
• 2. Intended to harm someone's reputation through lies or slander.

Usage Examples

• The calumnious attacks on the politician's integrity were quickly debunked.
• Her calumnious remarks about her colleague led to a public apology.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin "calumnia," meaning "false accusation" or "slander," with the suffix "-ous" indicating the adjective form, meaning "full of" or "characterized by."

Synonyms

• Slanderous
• Defamatory
• Malicious
• Vilifying
• Libelous

Antonyms

• Complimentary
• Supportive
• Honoring
• Respectful

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In certain dialects, especially in regions with heavy influence from Romance languages, the pronunciation may emphasize the second syllable: /kəˈlʌm.nɪˈəs/.

Historical Usage

The term "calumnious" was often used in legal documents and literature during the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly in contexts where accusations were made without substantiation or where individuals were wrongfully maligned for political or personal reasons.

Cultural Nuances

In many societies, calumnious actions are not only seen as morally wrong but are also punishable under law, particularly when they damage an individual's reputation or cause financial harm. In modern times, calumnious statements can quickly spread through social media, amplifying their impact.

More Information

The act of making calumnious statements can have serious consequences, both legally and socially. In the era of information technology, the spread of calumnious statements, whether online or offline, can severely damage individuals' lives. Various countries have introduced defamation laws to combat this, but it remains a persistent problem in both personal and public spheres.