defamatory

What does “defamatory” mean?

adjective.damaging the good reputation of someone; slanderous or libelous.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts related to legal issues, media, or personal relationships, emphasizing the serious consequences of spreading false information. It implies not just harm to reputation but also a deliberate intent to mislead or malign, distinguishing it from general criticism or negative comments, which may not carry the same legal weight.

Common Confusions

Defamatory implies a deliberate intent to harm someone's reputation through false statements, while derogatory usually suggests simply expressing a negative opinion without necessarily implying falsehood or legal consequences.

Example Sentences

• The article contained defamatory lies about the celebrity.

• The article was deemed defamatory, causing significant damage to the politician's reputation and leading to a lawsuit for false claims.

Word Parts: How to Remember “defamatory”

Break “defamatory” into its parts: de- (down, away, un-). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: de- down, away, un- (Latin)