What does "calumny" mean?
A false accusation or charge brought to tarnish another's reputation or standing.
Calumny
/ˈkæləmni/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A false accusation or charge brought to tarnish another's reputation or standing.
- Grammar: calumny is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: defamation, slander, abuse, animadversion.
- Useful contrasts: honesty, truth, truthfulness.
- Usage evidence: It seems probable that the licentiousness ordinarily imputed to Sappho may be a calumny.
How to use "calumny"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "calumny" 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 "calumny" 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 "calumny" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "calumny" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- 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 "calumny" is acting as noun, 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 "defamation" 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 "calumny", 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
Noun
- 1 A false accusation or charge brought to tarnish another's reputation or standing. countable
"He [Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk] mentioned to her [Elizabeth I of England] the rumour, which was ſpread of his marriage with the Scotch Queen [Mary, Queen of Scots]; he complained of it as a groundleſs calumny; and diſclaimed all thoughts of that kind, with many expreſſions full of contempt, both for Mary's character, and dominions."
- 2 an abusive attack on a person's character or good name wordnet
- 3 Falsifications or misrepresentations intended to disparage or discredit another. uncountable
"Accusations of abuse were pure extortive calumny in a malicious bid to make money."
- 4 a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions wordnet
Verb
- 1 To make false accusations or levy false charges against a person with the intent to tarnish that person's reputation or standing; to calumniate. formal, transitive
"His [Dominieus Dietrich's] memory has been basely calumnied by many German historians."
Antonyms
Example
"It seems probable that the licentiousness ordinarily imputed to Sappho may be a calumny."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "calumny"?
Common synonyms include: defamation, slander, abuse, animadversion, aspersion, aspersions.
How do you use "calumny" in a sentence?
It seems probable that the licentiousness ordinarily imputed to Sappho may be a calumny.
How do you pronounce "calumny"?
Pronounced /ˈkæləmni/.
Etymology
From Late Middle English calumnīe (“false accusation, slander; (law) objection raised in bad faith”), borrowed from Old French calomnie (“slander, calumny”) (modern French calomnie), or directly from its etymon Latin calumnia (“false statement, misrepresentation; false accusation, malicious charge”), perhaps also related to calvor (“to deceive”). The English word is a doublet of challenge. The verb is derived from French calomnier (“to slander”), from Late Latin calumniāre, from Latin calumpniārī, calumniārī (“to blame unjustly, misrepresent, calumniate; (law) to accuse falsely, bring false information against”), from calumnia (see above) + -or.