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Animadversion vs Stricture vs Aspersion vs Reflection

Animadversion, stricture, aspersion and reflection all denote a remark or statement that is an adverse criticism.

Animadversion (compare animadvert at REMARK) implies as its motive deep-seated prejudice or ill will or a tendency to carp or cavil.

  • given to animadversions on the clergy
  • Maty’s animadversions hurt me more. In part they appeared to me unjust, and in part ill-natured
    Cowper

Stricture implies censure, which may be either ill-natured or judicious.

  • foreign strictures on the dress, looks, and behavior of the English abroad
    Arnold
  • the lash of the merciless Porson . . . [whose] strictures are founded in argument, enriched with learning, and enlivened with wit
    Gibbon

Aspersion imputes a slanderous character to the criticism.

  • who by aspersions throw a stone at th’ head of others, hit their own
    Herbert
  • at Cambridge (they tell me) while you speak very well, you write less expertly . . . . you will not set the aspersion down to me
    —Quiller-Couchy

Reflection often implies indirect aspersion or a defamatory imputation which may be inferred from what has been said.

  • he cannot restrain himself from reflections on kings and priests when he is most contending for them
    Hallam
  • the reflections on certain named persons’ chastity and honesty
    Geographical Jour.