What does slanderous mean?
Slanderous is an adjective describing statements, remarks, or other forms of expression that are false and intended to damage someone’s reputation. The word commonly appears in legal, political, journalistic, and formal contexts, especially when describing an accusation, allegation, or report. Although all slanderous statements are false, the adjective also carries a strong suggestion of harmful intent or malice. It is more pointed and morally charged than a general description of inaccurate speech, but it is related closely to defamatory and libellous. In everyday use, people may say that someone has made slanderous remarks when a false claim has been made about them and their integrity or reputation has been challenged. The word belongs to the same semantic field as accusation, allegation, calumny, and disparagement, and should be used carefully because it implies serious harm to a person’s credibility.
adjectiveMaking or consisting of false accusations intended to damage someone's reputation. It may also describe speech, writing, or conduct that is defamatory or maliciously disparaging.
- Making or consisting of false accusations intended to damage someone's reputation.
- Characterized by malicious disparagement or speech that harms another person's standing.
"The politician condemned the slanderous remarks made by her opponents."
"The newspaper issued an apology for publishing the slanderous allegation."
"Her slanderous comments led to a formal complaint and an apology."
The word 'slanderous' belongs to a family rooted in Latin calumnia, the ancient legal category of a false accusation made in speech.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slanderous come from?
The word ultimately comes through Old French slander from Latin calumnia, a term associated with a false accusation, especially one made in a legal or rhetorical context. English developed both the noun slander and the adjective slanderous from this inherited vocabulary. Latin calumnia also gave rise to cognates such as calumny, calumniate, and calumnious.
Related word forms
How slanderous is actually used
Generally formal and often used in legal, political, or journalistic contexts. It is more specific than simply 'untrue': the false accusation is understood to damage someone's reputation, and it may suggest deliberate malice.
Easily confused with slanderous
Slander is typically a noun or verb referring to a false, reputation-damaging statement or the act of making one, whereas slanderous is an adjective describing such statements, speech, or conduct.
Defamatory is a broader legal and formal term for language that damages a person's reputation, while slanderous specifically suggests false accusations and commonly carries a stronger implication of malice or deliberate harm.