What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aspersion
Example
He cast aspersions on her abilities, questioning her qualifications for the job. [aspersions: noun]
Example
She was the target of malicious aspersions, which tarnished her reputation. [malicious: adjective]
slander
Example
He slandered his ex-partner by spreading false rumors about their personal life. [slandered: verb]
Example
The celebrity sued the tabloid for publishing slanderous statements about her. [slanderous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slander is a more commonly used term than aspersion in everyday language. Slander is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while aspersion is less common and tends to be used in more formal or legal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aspersion and slander?
While aspersion is associated with a more formal tone, slander can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile term.
