What is defame? Pronunciation and usage in English

defame means . Learn how to pronounce and use defame through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of defame

defameverb

/dɪˈfeɪm//dɪˈfeɪm/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "defame" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Phonetics (Sound Breakdown)

  • de-: Sounds like "day" (as in, "daylight") - /deɪ/
  • fam-: Sounds like "fam" (like a family name) - /fæm/
  • -e: This is a silent 'e' at the end. It adds a slightly longer 'a' sound after the 'fam' sound. - /eɪ/

2. Putting it Together

When you combine those sounds, it roughly sounds like: "day-fam-ay"

3. A More Detailed Breakdown (With Emphasis)

  • de-: (Stress on the first syllable) – /deɪ/ (Short 'e' sound, like in "day")
  • fam-: - /fæm/ (Short 'a' sound, like in "father")
  • -e: - /eɪ/ (Long 'a' sound, like in "say")

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:

Tips for Saying It Correctly:

  • Don't overemphasize the "def-" part. The focus is on the “fam-ay” sound.
  • The 'e' at the end is silent, but it slightly influences the vowel sound in "fam."
  • Focus on the short 'a' in "fam".

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Usage and examples with the word defame in English

Let's break down how to use the word "defame" correctly in English. It's a serious word with specific legal and social implications.

1. Core Meaning:

"Defame" means to harm someone's reputation by making false statements about them. It’s essentially spreading lies that damage how others perceive a person or organization.

2. Formal Definition (Legal):

Legally, defamation is a type of tort (a civil wrong). It falls into two main categories:

  • Libel: Defamation in written or published form (e.g., newspaper articles, blog posts, social media posts, books).
  • Slander: Defamation in spoken form (e.g., conversations, speeches, broadcasts).

3. How to Use It in Sentences:

Here are examples showing how to use "defame" in various contexts:

  • General Usage (Negative Impact): "The false accusations he made online were enough to defame her reputation and ruin her job prospects."
  • Legal Context (Formal): "The company sued the journalist for defaming its CEO, claiming the article contained false statements about his financial dealings."
  • Describing the Action: “She vehemently denied that she had ever attempted to defame her former business partner.”
  • Focus on the Impact: “Social media can quickly defame someone, spreading rumors and damaging their image before a correction can be made.”
  • More nuanced – suggesting a deliberate action: “He deliberately sought to defame his political opponent with misleading information.”

4. Key Components of Defamation (What Must Be Proven):

For a claim of defamation to be successful, the person claiming to be defamed usually needs to prove the following elements:

  • False Statement: The statement made was demonstrably false.
  • Publication: The statement was communicated to a third party (someone other than the person being defamed).
  • Identification: The statement identifies the person being defamed (even if not by name, it must be clear who the statement refers to).
  • Harm: The statement caused harm to the person's reputation. This can be financial loss, emotional distress, or damage to their standing in the community.

5. Important Related Words & Phrases:

  • Slanderous: Describing something as slanderous (referring to spoken defamation).
  • Libelous: Describing something as libelous (referring to written defamation).
  • Reputational harm: Referring to the damage caused to someone’s reputation.
  • False accusation: A statement presented as fact when it is untrue.

6. Important Note: Truth is a Defense

A crucial point in defamation law is that truth is an absolute defense. If the statement made is true, it cannot be considered defamatory, even if it’s damaging to someone’s reputation.

7. Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a legal professional. This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice. If you believe you have been defamed, or if you are accused of defamation, you should consult with a qualified attorney.

Resources for Further Learning:

Would you like me to:

  • Provide more examples in a specific context (e.g., social media, business)?
  • Explain how the rules of defamation vary by location (e.g., the US vs. the UK)?

Synonyms for the word defame

Practice with vocabulary defame

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The CEO threatened legal action against the blogger who attempted to ______ the company with unsubstantiated claims.
  2. During the heated debate, the candidate tried to ______ his opponent's track record by highlighting past policy failures.
  3. Publishing false and malicious statements about a public figure's personal life is a serious attempt to ______ their character.
  4. The journalist was careful to only report verified facts, ensuring she did not ______ the sources' reputations.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (Multiple correct answers may apply)

  1. Which of the following actions could be considered an attempt to defame someone? a) Spreading demonstrably false rumors about their professional integrity. b) Publishing an article that fabricates scandals about their family life. c) Writing a factual exposé about their unethical business practices. d) Praising their achievements in a public speech.

  2. A company might initiate a lawsuit if a competitor attempts to ______ their brand reputation with untrue allegations. a) enhance b) endorse c) undermine d) defame

  3. The term "character assassination" is most closely associated with which of the following concepts? a) Accolade b) Commendation c) Defamation d) Vindication

  4. Which words describe the act of publicly expressing strong disapproval of a person or organization? a) Laud b) Criticize c) Denounce d) Acclaim

  5. When a politician makes false, spoken statements to damage an opponent's reputation, this is specifically known as: a) Libel b) Slander c) Advocacy d) Endorsement

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The journalist was accused of publishing untruths that could severely damage the politician's good name. Rewrite using "defame" or a related word form:

  2. Original: Spreading malicious and unfounded rumors about a rival company's products can lead to serious legal consequences. Rewrite using "defame" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The auditor's report clearly showed that the company's financial claims were not accurate and had misled investors. Rewrite (do not use "defame" or related words; use a suitable replacement):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. defame
  2. discredit
  3. defame
  4. damage

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) Spreading demonstrably false rumors about their professional integrity. b) Publishing an article that fabricates scandals about their family life.
  2. c) undermine d) defame
  3. c) Defamation
  4. b) Criticize c) Denounce
  5. b) Slander

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The journalist was accused of publishing untruths to defame the politician. (or: The journalist was accused of defamation for publishing untruths about the politician.)
  2. Spreading defamatory rumors about a rival company's products can lead to serious legal consequences. (or: Spreading rumors to defame a rival company's products can lead to serious legal consequences.)
  3. The auditor's report clearly discredited the company's financial claims that had misled investors.

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