Keystone English 10 Vocabulary List #8 – Praise & Defamation Words

Acclaim (verb)  Definition: Welcome with approval; applaud loudly  Context Sentence: I really did not enjoy reading the “Twilight” series although many readers acclaimed these novels.

Encomium (noun)  Definition: a speech or writing of high praise; a tribute  Context Sentence: Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” is, in part, an encomium of those who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Kudos (noun)  Definition: fame or praise due to achievement  Context Sentence: Throughout his NBA career, Michael Jordan won kudos for his outstanding basketball talent and skill.

Eulogize (verb)  Definition: praise; extol; laud; glorify (usually after one has passed away)  Context Sentence: The late song writer and composer George Gershwin has been eulogized for his many contributions to American musical theatre.

Laudable (adjective)  Definition: Praiseworthy; commendable  Context Sentence: Although the USA Women’s soccer team did not win the World Cup, their outstanding performance throughout the tournament was laudable.

Laudatory (adjective)  Definition: expressing praise; eulogistic  Context Sentence: I read six reviews of the new Sherlock Holmes movie; five were extremely laudatory, and only one was negative.

Plaudit (noun)  Definition: applause; enthusiastic praise; acclaim (usually used in the plural form plaudits)  Context Sentence: Returning to the stage, the band Coldplay rewarded their fans plaudits with an amazing three song encore.

Calumnious (adjective)  Definition: falsely and maliciously accusing; defamatory; slanderous  Context Sentence: Witnesses who heard the man’s calumnious verbal attack were appalled that he would slander his wife in such a horrific way.

Derogatory (adjective)  Definition: expressing low esteem for; belittling, disparaging  Context Sentence: Despite some derogatory comments by music critics, Lady Gaga’s new album is a commercial success.

Imputation (noun)  Definition: An unjust or false charge against someone; an accusation; insinuation  Context Sentence: Politicians often try to smear their rival’s character with the imputation that they are dishonest or unethical.

Libel (noun)  Definition: False and defamatory printed or written statement.  Context Sentence: Many celebrities have sued gossip magazines for libel that has been published about them.

Libelous (adjective)  Definition: injurious to one’s reputation; defamatory  Context Sentence: Journalists must take care not to print libelous statements about powerful people who may seek revenge.

Malign (verb)  Definition: to speak evil of someone; to vilify  Context Sentence: Even if you do not like Josh, it is not necessary to malign him in public.

Slander (noun)  Definition: false and defamatory spoken statement  Context Sentence: The rumor that she was fired is a foul slander; the fact is, she voluntarily resigned.

Stigma (noun)  Definition: Mark of disgrace  Context Sentence: The stigma of a criminal record greatly hampered George’s search for employment.

Stigmatize (verb)  Definition: brand with a mark of disgrace  Context Sentence: No one would enjoy being stigmatized by a nickname like “Dopey.”