opprobrious
UK: /əˈprəʊbriəs/ | US: /əˈproʊbriəs/
adj. expressing scorn or criticism; highly disrespectful or insulting
adj. deserving or bringing disgrace or shame
opprobrious = op<against> + probri<disgrace> + ous<adjective suffix>
- op (from Latin ob-, meaning "against")
- probri (from Latin probrum, meaning "disgrace" or "reproach")
- ous (adjective-forming suffix indicating possession or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word opprobrious traces back to Latin opprobrium, combining ob- (against) and probrum (disgrace). It originally described public shame or reproach, evolving in English to emphasize scornful or insulting language. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: "acting against (op) someone’s honor (probri)" to convey disgrace.
The politician faced opprobrious remarks from the press after the scandal.
His opprobrious behavior at the meeting shocked his colleagues.
The critic’s opprobrious review devastated the young artist.
She regretted her opprobrious tone during the argument.
The judge condemned the defendant’s opprobrious actions in court.