Words / C2

in-VEKT-iv/ɪnˈvektɪv/

Invective is angry, insulting language used as an attack (formal, often uncountable): a stream of invective, bitter invective. Abuse and insults are everyday; a tirade (already in the dictionary) is a long angry speech. Inveigh against is the rare verb cousin. Do not file a numbered methods objection as invective.

Meaning

Angry, insulting language used to attack someone (formal).

Examples

• “Invective in the corridor is not a methods comment.”
• “Insults are everyday. A tirade is a long blast (already in C2). Vituperation is a rarer twin. Anger can be fair; names without a cell reference are invective. Put the two figures in the minute.”

Good to know

Abusive verbal attack (formal). Everyday: insults / abuse. Close: tirade (a speech). A dated comparison of n is not invective.

Near in meaning

abuse

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