What does "animadvert" mean?
To criticise, to censure.
Animadvert
/ˌænɪmædˈvɜːt/ verb
verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To criticise, to censure.
- Grammar: animadvert is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: address, attend, censure, comment.
- Useful contrasts: applaud, commend, disregard.
- Usage evidence: Sir Walter has been duly animadverted on for this dangerous error by the erudite Mr. Todd.
How to use "animadvert"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "animadvert" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "animadvert" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "animadvert" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "animadvert" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "animadvert" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "address" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "animadvert", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To criticise, to censure. intransitive
"Sir Walter has been duly animadverted on for this dangerous error by the erudite Mr. Todd."
- 2 express blame or censure or make a harshly critical remark wordnet
- 3 To consider. intransitive, obsolete
"[…] I am daily advertiſed by ſeveral friends and correſpondents from Oxford, that I have omitted many particulars, which it is proper to animadvert upon, in order to compleat the Secret Hiſtory of that place; and I have therefore, in compliance with their requeſt, reſolved to reſume this work, and continue to publiſh ſome part of it every Act-Term, till the whole is finiſhed, and the ſubject fully exhauſted: […]"
- 4 express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation wordnet
- 5 To turn judicial attention (to); to criticise or punish. archaic, intransitive
"The learned judge animadverted with great severity upon the behaviour of Mr. Young, the cabin passenger, who went out on board the vessel as agent and supercargo, to protect the interests of the shippers, and who, on the outward voyage, conducted himself with great impropriety towards the master; […]"
Example
"Sir Walter has been duly animadverted on for this dangerous error by the erudite Mr. Todd."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "animadvert"?
Common synonyms include: address, attend, censure, comment, condemn, criticize.
How do you use "animadvert" in a sentence?
Sir Walter has been duly animadverted on for this dangerous error by the erudite Mr. Todd.
How do you pronounce "animadvert"?
Pronounced /ˌænɪmædˈvɜːt/.
Etymology
From Latin animadvertō, from Latin animum (“mind”) (accusative singular of animus (“mind; soul; life force”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂enh₁mos (“breath”), from *h₂enh₁- (“to breathe”)) + Latin advertō (“to turn to”) (from Latin ad- (“to”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd (“at; near”) + Latin vertō (“to turn”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *wert- (“to turn around”)).