animadvert

[ an-uh-mad-vurt ]

verb (used without object)

1. to comment unfavorably or critically (usually followed by on or upon ):

   to animadvert at length upon his faulty use of English.

verb (used with object)

1. Obsolete. to take cognizance or notice of.

animadvert

/ ˌænɪmædˈvɜːt /

verb

1. usually foll byon or upon to comment with strong criticism (upon); make censorious remarks (about)
2. to make an observation or comment

Other Words From

• ani·mad·verter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of animadvert¹

1630–40; < Latin animadvertere to heed, censure, equivalent to anim ( um ), accusative of animus ( animus ) + advertere to advert ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of animadvert¹

C16: from Latin animadvertere to notice, pay attention, from animus mind + advertere to turn to, from vertere to turn

Example Sentences

“I think the words chunter, medicament, dilate, animadvert, and, perhaps my favorite, saucerations, have been popularized under your speakership and I imagine now are in common parlance in pubs and clubs across England,” Tory grandee and Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg said at Bercow’s final session.

From Washington Post

I have heard others’ stories and recorded them in these pages; there is no need to animadvert to my own.

From Literature

I thought of the wetness—always the wetness—which pervaded all; that was foremost in my thoughts; for in times of greatest strife, the mind oft relucts to animadvert upon things most awful; and so, the chilly scald of my shirt hung across me, the reek of metal in the air, the slap of leaves across my face—these were the objects of my notice.

From Literature

There is no need to animadvert to the deeds of that day, which shall resound, for weal or woe, as long as this terrestrial globe has habitation.

From Literature

Episcopal injunctions not infrequently animadvert against this irreverent treatment of the offices.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• assert
• clarify
• conclude
• criticize
• disclose
• explain
• expound
• express
• mention
• note
• notice
• observe
• point out
• reflect
• say