noun
invective
in-VEK-tiv
Invective (noun) means Fierce, insulting language used to attack someone or something. Example: “The letter was three pages of pure invective.”
noun
1
Fierce, insulting language used to attack someone or something.
"The letter was three pages of pure invective."
"He met every question with a stream of invective."
adjective
1
formal Consisting of or characterised by such abusive attack.
"The pamphlet's invective style made it notorious."
How to use invective
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAngry, insulting language aimed at someone.
When to use it
Formal and literary; it names the abuse without repeating it, which makes it useful in serious reporting.
Memory tip
Invective is usually uncountable: say 'a torrent of invective', not 'many invectives'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
invective / invasive
invective / diatribe
Common pairings
a stream of invective
hurl invective
political invective
bitter invective
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The letter was three pages of pure _____.
Etymology
From Latin invectivus 'abusive', from invehi 'to attack with words', literally 'to be carried into'.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for invective
See all rhymes for invective →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between invective and a diatribe?
A diatribe is a single long, angry speech or piece of writing. Invective is the abusive language itself, which can appear in a diatribe or in a single sentence. One is the container, the other the contents.
Is invective the same as swearing?
Not necessarily. Invective is defined by hostility and insult rather than by particular words, and some of the most famous invective in English contains no obscenity at all.
Can invective be an adjective?
Yes, though it is uncommon. Most writers use 'invective' as a noun and reach for 'vituperative' or 'abusive' when they need the adjective.
What is the meaning of invective?
"invective" (noun) means fierce, insulting language used to attack someone or something.
