WordGarden.ioinveigh
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪnˈveɪ/verb
US
- /ɪnˈveɪ/verb
Meanings
Verb
to speak or write with strong hostile criticism
Beyond the definition
If someone inveighs against something, they speak about it with strong anger and disapproval. It is more than simple criticism. The person is usually upset, outspoken, and ready to condemn what they see as wrong. You might hear a politician inveigh against corruption or a parent inveigh against violent media. The word often suggests moral anger, not just personal dislike.
You will usually see inveigh in formal or literary English, especially when someone gives a speech, writes an article, or complains at length in public. It is a strong word for a strong reaction.
To inveigh against something means to speak or write against it in a very angry, forceful way. The word usually describes a strong verbal attack, not a calm or balanced opinion. When someone inveighs, they are not merely saying they disagree. They are condemning something openly and with feeling.
You will often find inveigh in formal writing, news reports, essays, and serious conversation. It is common when the speaker sees the target as harmful, unfair, immoral, or foolish. A politician may inveigh against corruption. A critic may inveigh against shallow reporting. A religious leader may inveigh against greed. In each case, the idea is the same: strong public condemnation.
The word often carries a sense of intensity and moral heat. It can suggest that the speaker feels deeply offended or believes they are standing up against something wrong. Because of that, inveigh sometimes sounds slightly negative toward the speaker as well, as if they are ranting or going on at length. Still, it can also be used for sincere and justified protest.
In tone, inveigh is much stronger than words like "complain" or "criticize." If someone is described this way, imagine a person speaking sharply, passionately, and at length against a target they strongly reject.
Examples
- 1
Local politics
The mayor inveighed against the proposed factory at the town meeting.
- Usageinveigh against + issue
the usual pattern; the word sounds formal
- 2
Editorial criticism
The editorial inveighed against letting private companies control the water supply.
- 3
Personal criticism
He often inveighs against waste, so the unused boxes in his office made everyone smile.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- inveighverb
Forms
- inveighedpast tenseverb
- inveighing-ing formverb
- inveighsverb