Vocabulary Spotlight
Defamatory
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Harmful to someone’s reputation through false or unjust statements.
“The article contained defamatory statements that damaged the politician’s career.”
Pronunciation
[dih-fam-uh-tawr-ee]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Slanderous
Scurrilous
Disparaging
Malicious
Antonyms
Praiseworthy
Supportive
Flattering
Respectful
Related Words
Defamation (noun)
Word Origin
“Defamatory” is derived from the Latin “diffamare,” meaning to spread by public report or make notorious, later evolving to signify harm to reputation.
Word Family
Noun: Defamation – The act of making false statements that harm someone’s reputation.
Verb: Defame – To damage the reputation of someone by false statements.
Mnemonics
Think of “defamatory” as “de-famous” — statements that take away someone’s fame or reputation.
Industry-specific Usage
Law
In law, defamatory statements are grounds for lawsuits, as they unjustly harm someone’s reputation.
Journalism
Journalists must avoid defamatory language in reports to uphold professional integrity and avoid legal consequences.
Corporate Communication
Companies avoid defamatory remarks in public statements to protect their brand reputation and avoid lawsuits.
In Context
Defamatory remarks can cause serious harm to an individual’s or company’s reputation. In media and corporate settings, preventing defamatory statements is crucial to maintain professionalism and legal standards.