Aspersions
/əˈspɜːrʒənz/
nounC2plural
Definition
Aspersions are when someone says bad or untrue things about another person to make others think badly of them. These comments often question someone's honesty, ability, or character in a harmful way. Usually, aspersions are spoken or written to damage someone's good name.
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See It in Action
Negative or damaging remarks about someone's character or reputation
- •The politician cast aspersions on his opponent's honesty during the debate.
- •She refused to listen to the aspersions about her work ethic.
- •It's wrong to throw aspersions without proof.
Doubts or suspicions expressed about someone's motives or actions
- •The manager's aspersions about the team's loyalty caused tension.
- •His aspersions made everyone question her intentions.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "aspersions" like "bad words" but more serious because they attack someone's reputation, not just feelings.
- ✓Picture dark rain (like "sprinkles") falling on a clean window, making it dirty—aspersions are like words that "dirty" someone's good image.
- ✓It's the feeling when someone spreads rumors or talks behind your back to make others doubt you.
- ✓Sounds like "a-SPUR-shuns" → imagine sharp "spurs" poking at someone’s good name, hurting it.
- ✓In stories, villains often cast aspersions to make heroes look bad or untrustworthy.
- ✓NOT like "criticism" (which can be fair and helpful), aspersions are unfair and meant to hurt.
- ✓NOT like "praise" (good words), aspersions are negative and damaging.
- ✓NOT like "gossip" (which is often casual talk), aspersions are serious attacks on character.
- ✓Aspersions come from outside—someone else says them to harm you, not something you do to yourself.
Try Other Words
- •Insinuations: indirect or hidden negative suggestions (Use when the negative comment is not direct but suggested)
- •Accusations: statements saying someone did something wrong (Use when the comment directly blames someone)
- •Criticisms: comments about faults or problems (Use when feedback is fair or constructive, not just harmful)
- •Slanders: spoken false statements that harm reputation (Use when the aspersions are lies told aloud)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "a-" (a prefix often meaning "to" or "toward") + "spersion" from Latin "aspersio" meaning "a sprinkling" or "scattering"
- •Etymology: From Latin "aspersio," meaning "a sprinkling" (originally about water or seeds), later used metaphorically for spreading harmful words
- •Historical development: First used in English in the 1500s to describe the act of spreading harmful or damaging remarks
- •Modern usage: Mostly used in plural form "aspersions" to mean harmful or unfair statements about someone's character
Reflect & Connect
•How do aspersions affect relationships between people or groups in your life or culture?
•Can aspersions ever be justified, or are they always harmful? How do we decide?
Fill in the blanks
1.When someone casts aspersions, they usually want to ___ someone's reputation or trust.
2.Aspersions are different from honest criticism because they are often ___ or unfair.
3.If you hear aspersions about a friend, you might feel ___ or protective.
4.Politicians sometimes cast aspersions to ___ their opponents during elections.
5.Aspersions often come with ___ evidence or proof.
6.When people throw aspersions, they usually hope others will ___ their opinion.
7.Unlike praise, aspersions ___ someone's good qualities or achievements.