aspersion
Group 29Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (noun)
- An attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something GRE
Example in Context
The candidate cast aspersions on her opponent's character without offering any evidence to support the insinuations.
Synonyms
smearslanderinsult
Etymology
To sprinkle negative remarks on someone's reputation.
- ad- (Latin) — to
- spargere (Latin) — to sprinkle
Memory Aid
🥴Sounds like “a spur shun”
A cowboy shunning his horse because it spread ASPERSIONS about his terrible riding!
Visual Association
💩A person throwing mud at another, ruining their reputation in a comical way.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “aspersion” mean on the GRE?
aspersion (noun) means “An attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something”. The candidate cast aspersions on her opponent's character without offering any evidence to support the insinuations.
How to remember “aspersion” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “aspersion” sounds like “a spur shun”. A cowboy shunning his horse because it spread ASPERSIONS about his terrible riding!
What are synonyms for “aspersion”?
Common synonyms: smear, slander, insult.