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invective

noun

/ɪnˈvɛktɪv/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of invective

Insulting or abusive language, typically used to express anger or contempt.
"The student's invective towards his teacher led to immediate expulsion from school."

Detailed meaning of invective

It implies strong, negative emotions, and a tendency to use harsh or hurtful words to express those emotions. It can be directed at a specific person or group, or at a broader audience. The term comes from the Latin word "invectus" which means "an attack with words."

Invective can take many forms, such as a speech, an article, or a public statement. It can be direct, or it can be indirect, such as sarcasm or irony. It often implies a sense of anger, frustration, or contempt, and a desire to attack or discredit someone or something. It can be used in any context where people express their thoughts, feelings and opinions.

Invective can be seen as a negative trait, as it implies a lack of diplomacy, tact, and respect for others. It can be perceived as a form of aggression or hostility, and it can be seen as disrespectful or impolite. It can also be viewed as a sign of poor communication skills, as the person is not able to express themselves in a more measured or nuanced way. Invective can also be used as a form of bullying or intimidating others.

Example sentences containing invective

1. His invective towards the referee got him ejected from the game.
2. The political debate was marked by heated invective from both sides.
3. She responded to the criticism with a torrent of invective.
4. The social media post was filled with invective and personal attacks.
5. The heated argument devolved into a shouting match of invective.
6. The columnist's invective against the government stirred controversy.

History and etymology of invective

The noun 'invective' draws its etymology from the Latin word 'invectivus,' which is derived from 'invehere,' meaning 'to carry in' or 'to attack with words.' In the context of rhetoric, 'invective' originally referred to a type of speech or writing that involved vehement and often abusive language aimed at attacking or condemning a person, group, or idea. This term evolved to denote the use of insulting or abusive language to express anger or contempt. Therefore, the etymology of 'invective' vividly portrays its historical association with verbal attacks and its contemporary usage in describing language that is marked by its vehement and scornful nature.

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Further usage examples of invective

1. The teacher warned the students against using invective in class.
2. His invective-laden speech shocked the audience.
3. The online forum was flooded with invective and hostility.
4. The candidate's campaign ad featured invective against opponents.
5. She regretted using invective in her argument.
6. The dispute ended with an exchange of invective.
7. The invective hurled at him left emotional scars.
8. The courtroom erupted into invective during the trial.
9. The invective-filled email strained their relationship.
10. The critic's invective overshadowed any valid points made.
11. The protesters shouted invective at the passing politicians.
12. The invective in the letter was hurtful and unnecessary.
13. The invective-filled exchange resolved nothing.
14. The invective only served to escalate the conflict.
15. He unleashed a stream of invective at the driver who cut him off.
16. She was on the receiving end of invective from her boss for her poor performance.
17. The politician's invective against his opponents was seen as divisive.
18. He hurled invective at the store clerk for poor customer service.
19. She was the target of invective from her classmates for her beliefs.
20. The invective used by the speaker during the rally was seen as offensive.
21. He used invective to express his disdain for the company's policies.
22. She was the subject of invective from the online trolls for her views.
23. The invective used by the coach towards the team was seen as motivational.
24. He used invective to express his anger at the situation.
25. She was the target of invective from the opposing team's fans.
26. The invective used by the commentator on the radio was seen as unprofessional.

GRE 8 (Graduate Record Examination), Annoyance and Irritation, Behavior and Conduct, Interaction and Articulation, Conflict and Confrontation, Anguish and Despair, Disdain and Contempt, Emotional Turmoil and Tension, Mockery and Insults

abuse,censure,denunciation,diatribe,harangue,obloquy,reproach,tirade,vilification,vitriol,vituperation

berating,castigation,execration,fulmination,rant