calumny in English
- calumny⇄calumny, noun, pl.-nies.
1. a false statement made on purpose to do harm to someone; slander.
Ex. Calumnies are answered best with silence (Ben Jonson). We have seen our friends in other countries ... reduced to an embarrassed and troubled sil
calumny in Sindhi سنڌي
Calumny
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈkæləmni/
Definitions
- 1. The making of false and malicious statements about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation.
- 2. A false accusation or slanderous remark intended to harm a person’s reputation or dignity.
Usage Examples
- The calumny spread by his enemies destroyed his career.
- She was a victim of calumny in her workplace after the false rumors were circulated.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin "calumnia," meaning false accusation or slander, from the verb "calumniari" meaning to accuse falsely or to deceive.
Synonyms
- Slander
- Defamation
- Libel
- Vilification
- Malice
Antonyms
- Praise
- Compliment
- Acclaim
- Honor
- Respect
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Calumnia | /kaˈlum.nja/ |
| French | Calomnie | /ka.lɔm.ni/ |
| German | Verleumdung | /fɛrˈlɔʏ̯m.dʊŋ/ |
| Italian | Calunnia | /kaˈlunːja/ |
| Portuguese | Calúnia | /kaˈluniɐ/ |
| Russian | Клевета | /klʲɪˈvʲɛtə/ |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 诽谤 | /fěi bàng/ |
| Arabic | قذف | /qadhf/ |
| Hindi | कलंकिनी | /kəˈlʌŋkɪni/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In some regions, particularly in the Southern U.S., "calumny" may be pronounced with a stronger emphasis on the second syllable, /kəˈlʌm.ni/ rather than /ˈkæləmni/.
Historical Usage
The term "calumny" has been used in literature and legal contexts since the 14th century, often referring to slanderous charges leveled against public figures, especially in political discourse. It was notably utilized in English law to describe defamatory speech.
Cultural Nuances
While calumny is universally condemned, cultural perspectives on defamation and slander differ widely. In some societies, public figures are more susceptible to calumny, especially in political rivalries, while in others, personal reputation may be protected through both social norms and legal safeguards.
More Information
Calumny, or the spreading of false accusations, can lead to legal consequences in many jurisdictions, with victims often seeking justice through defamation lawsuits. The digital age has amplified the spread of calumnious remarks, leading to heightened concerns about online reputations, especially on social media platforms.