Word: slander

Associations

Slander is a word that means making false statements about someone that can harm their reputation. It is not just a simple lie; it specifically relates to spoken statements.

• Example 1: "He was accused of slander after telling lies about his neighbor." This shows how slander can lead to serious accusations.
• Example 2: "The celebrity sued the magazine for slander due to false claims printed." Here, slander affects public figures and their image.
• Example 3: "Gossiping can sometimes lead to slander if the information is false." This illustrates that informal conversations can also result in slanderous situations.

A common synonym for slander is "defamation," but slander specifically refers to spoken false statements, while defamation can apply to both spoken and written falsehoods.

Substitution

Alternative words or phrases for slander could be:

• "Libel" - This refers specifically to written statements that are false and damaging.
• "Calumny" - This means making false statements with the intention to harm someone's reputation.
• "Character assassination" - This phrase suggests a more systematic attack on someone's reputation.

Using these words may change the context slightly; for example, "libel" only applies to written statements, unlike "slander," which is spoken.

Deconstruction

The word "slander" comes from the Latin "slandra," which means "a tale or story."

• The root is "sland," which connects to the idea of telling or speaking.
• There are no specific prefixes or suffixes in this case.

Understanding its origin helps explain its meaning—making spoken statements that are deceitful.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you heard a rumor that might have been slander? How did it affect the people involved?
• Why do you think people choose to slander others instead of speaking positively about them?
• In what situations do you think slander can happen easily, such as in school or the workplace?