Opprobrious

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /əˈpɹəʊbɹiəs/

Definitions

1. Expressing harsh criticism, scorn, or contempt; shameful and disgraceful in nature
2. Deserving or conveying strong disapproval, shame, and public disgrace through insulting or abusive language
3. Marked by offensive reproach, severe condemnation, and extreme disrespect that brings dishonor or humiliation

Etymology: Latin "opprobrium" originally meant a disgrace or a reproach, and the word that grew from it, "opprobrious," describes language that heaps that disgrace onto someone. The Latin base is "opprobrium," formed from "ob" (against, in the way of) and "probrum," a shameful deed or disgrace, so the core idea is something thrown in someone's face. The adjective passed into English through Middle French "opprobrieux" and the later Late Latin form "opprobriōsus," which is why it sounds more like a formal French-influenced word than a plain Latin import. Its meaning has stayed close to that original sense of shame. An opprobrious remark is not merely rude; it is the kind of abuse that brands its target with disgrace. The word is therefore reserved for criticism that is harsh and openly contemptuous, which is why it sounds much stronger than a word like "critical."

Synonyms: disgraceful, shameful, scornful

Antonyms: respectful, honorable