Basic Details
Word: Slander
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A false statement that is said about someone to harm their reputation.
Synonyms: Defamation, libel, maligning
Antonyms: Praise, compliment, acclaim
Idioms and Phrases
- Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me: This proverb suggests that verbal abuse is less harmful than physical harm. Example: "Even after all the slander, she remembered that sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."
- To cast aspersions: To make damaging remarks about someone. Example: "He was careful not to cast aspersions on his colleague during the meeting."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The gossip was slander, aiming to ruin her reputation without any proof.
Example 2: After the slanderous comments were made, the accused decided to take legal action.
Example 3: It's important to speak the truth and not engage in slander against others.
Fun Fact
Did you know that slander specifically refers to spoken defamatory statements, while libel refers to written ones? Both are considered forms of defamation, but they are treated differently under the law.
Famous Quote
"The tongue is mightier than the sword." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "slander" mean?
a) A type of flower
b) A false spoken statement that damages someone's reputation
c) A kind of music
d) A cooking method
Answer: b) A false spoken statement that damages someone's reputation
2. Which of these is a synonym of "slander"?
a) Praise
b) Maligning
c) Approval
d) Celebration
Answer: b) Maligning
3. Which of these is an antonym of "slander"?
a) Defamation
b) Accusation
c) Compliment
d) Libel
Answer: c) Compliment
4. Which sentence uses "slander" correctly?
a) He was silent even when faced with slander about him.
b) She buys slander every week at the market.
c) The slander helped him solve the puzzle.
d) They chose to slander their pet instead of caring for it.
Answer: a) He was silent even when faced with slander about him.
5. Which idiom means the same as "casting slander"?
a) To cast aspersions
b) To break the ice
c) To spill the beans
d) To steal someone's thunder
Answer: a) To cast aspersions
