maligned
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /məˈlaɪnd/
KK: /məˈlaɪnd/
adjective
Definition
Described in a negative or harmful way, often unfairly or unjustly.
Example
The maligned politician continued to work hard despite the criticism.
Conversation
I read an article about that politician, and it said he was maligned by the media.
Yeah, I've noticed they really go after him sometimes without reason.
It's unfair how they've maligned him based on rumors rather than facts.
Absolutely, it makes you question the integrity of the news.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
defamed
slandered
vilified
Antonyms
praised
lauded
admired
verb
Definition
To speak about someone or something in a harmful or critical way, often spreading false information.
Example
She felt hurt when she realized that her reputation had been maligned by rumors.
Tense Forms
Past: maligned
Past Participle: maligned
Conversation
I heard that the new movie got maligned by critics.
Yeah, but I think it has some really good moments.
I don't get why it was maligned so much; I actually enjoyed it.
Root Explanation
Maligned → It is formed from "mal-" (meaning bad or evil) and "lineare" (from Latin, meaning to line up or arrange). The word "maligned" means to speak about someone in a bad or evil way, often causing harm to their reputation.
Memory Tip
Think of 'mal-' meaning bad, and remember that 'maligned' refers to speaking badly about someone.
Visually Confused Words
unmaligned
unaligned
metalined
marline
aligner