Animadverted

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To have made a critical observation or remark about something while also expressing disapproval or concern towards it
2. To have formally commented on an issue in a way that highlights deficiencies or faults while indicating dissent
3. To express criticism or disapproval about something, especially pointing out faults or mistakes

Etymology: Animadverted is the past tense of "animadvert," and the verb's original sense was literal and physical: to turn the mind toward something. Its Latin ancestor "animadvertere" was built from "animum," the accusative of "animus" (mind, soul, life force), combined with "advertere," meaning "to turn to." Latin speakers used it to mean noticing or perceiving something, and the idea of attention as a turning of the mind underlies the word's sense of directing one's thinking at a thing. The modern meaning, to comment critically while signalling disapproval, grew out of that act of turning attention toward a fault. Someone who "animadverts" on a matter first notices it and then points out its flaws, so the criticism is a consequence of close attention rather than a separate idea. English borrowed the verb from Latin, and it has stayed largely formal and official in tone ever since.

Synonyms: criticized, censured, rebuked