The politician faced widespread aspersions on his character after the scandal broke, despite his attempts to defend himself.
synonyms
slanderdisparagementdefamation
word origin — The word 'aspersion' comes from the Latin 'aspersio', meaning 'a sprinkling' or 'scattering', derived from 'aspergere', which means 'to sprinkle' or 'to bespatter'. This evolved to imply making damaging remarks.
GRE Vocabulary — Set 152
Set 152 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: aspersion, atrophy, boor, buttress, cant. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
aspersion · noun/əˈspɜrʒən/
a damaging or derogatory remark or criticism
The politician faced widespread aspersions on his character after the scandal broke, despite his attempts to defend himself.
Synonyms: slander, disparagement, defamation
Origin: The word 'aspersion' comes from the Latin 'aspersio', meaning 'a sprinkling' or 'scattering', derived from 'aspergere', which means 'to sprinkle' or 'to bespatter'. This evolved to imply making damaging remarks.
atrophy · noun/ˈ æ.trə.fi/
the wasting away or decrease in size of a body part or tissue
Prolonged immobility can lead to muscle atrophy, resulting in weakness and reduced mobility.
Synonyms: wasting, decline, deterioration
Origin: from the Greek 'atrophia' meaning 'a lack of nourishment', from 'a-' meaning 'without' and 'trophe' meaning 'nourishment'
boor · noun/bʊr/
a rude or insensitive person
His behavior at the dinner party was embarrassing; everyone thought he was such a boor for interrupting others and speaking loudly.
Synonyms: lout, oaf, clod
Origin: From Middle Dutch 'boer', meaning 'farmer', later used to signify a rude or unsophisticated person.
buttress · noun/ˈbʌtrəs/
a structure built to support or reinforce a wall or building
The ancient cathedral was renowned for its flying buttresses, which elegantly supported the high walls and allowed for stunning stained glass windows.
Synonyms: support, prop, reinforcement
Origin: from Old French 'bouterez', from 'bouter' meaning to push
cant · noun/kænt/
insincere, especially conventional expressions of enthusiasm for high ideals, goodness, or piety
His speech was filled with empty cant about justice, leaving the audience more confused than inspired.
Synonyms: hypocrisy, sanctimony, insincerity
Origin: Derived from the late Middle English 'canten', meaning to sing, and from the Old French 'cant', meaning a corner or a turn, which evolved to indicate a jargon or a set of phrases used insincerely.