Condemn: Definition and Part of Speech
Condemn is a verb typically used to express strong disapproval or censure. It involves passing judgment on someone or something as morally wrong or deserving punishment. The word can be applied in various contexts, such as legal judgments, moral assessments, and personal opinions.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disparage | To belittle or devalue, often in speech. | “The critics disparaged the film for its lackluster script.” | Informal/Formal |
| Denounce | To publicly declare something as wrong or evil. | “The activist denounced the company’s unethical practices.” | Formal |
| Reprimand | A formal expression of disapproval, usually in a corrective manner. | “He was reprimanded by his supervisor for missing deadlines.” | Business/Academic |
| Deplore | To feel or express strong disapproval or regret. | “The organization deplored the recent incidents of vandalism.” | Formal/Neutral |
| Vituperate | To criticize harshly; involves bitter and abusive language. | “She vituperated against the policies that she found unjust.” | Literary/Formal |
Usage Notes
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Disparage: This synonym is often used in more casual or conversational contexts compared to “condemn”. It emphasizes belittlement rather than a formal judgment.
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Denounce: Suitable for both formal and public settings, like protests or speeches, where there’s an emphasis on calling out wrongdoing openly.
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Reprimand: Best employed in professional or academic contexts. It carries the nuance of corrective action following disapproval.
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Deplore: Often used when expressing regret or moral disapproval without necessarily implying a formal judgment or punishment.
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Vituperate: This word is less common and more literary. It’s typically reserved for instances where criticism involves strong, harsh language.
Common Pitfalls
A frequent mistake is using these synonyms interchangeably without considering their specific connotations:
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Disparage vs. Condemn: While both involve disapproval, “disparage” focuses on belittling rather than making a formal judgment.
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Denounce vs. Deplore: Both express strong disapproval but “denounce” involves public declaration, often with an intent to rally others against the subject.
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Reprimand vs. Vituperate: The former is corrective and formal, whereas the latter is harsh and informal, often bordering on abusive.
Final Recap
In this exploration of “condemn”, we’ve covered several synonyms like “disparage,” “denounce,” “reprimand,” “deplore,” and “vituperate.” Each word carries its own nuance and context:
- Disparage: Informal, belittling.
- Denounce: Formal, public declaration.
- Reprimand: Corrective disapproval in a professional setting.
- Deplore: Neutral, expressing regret or moral disapproval.
- Vituperate: Harsh, literary criticism.
To effectively expand your vocabulary, practice using these synonyms in various contexts. Write sentences that reflect their specific nuances and try incorporating them into conversations where appropriate. This will not only enhance your linguistic skills but also improve your ability to convey precise meanings in both written and spoken English.