scandal
Scandal (noun) means a public event or revelation that causes outrage and damages the reputation of those involved. Example: “The bribery scandal forced the minister to resign.”
How to use scandal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA shocking event or revelation of wrongdoing that damages someone's or an organisation's reputation.
Word forms
scandaled past tense, scandalled past tense, scandals plural, scandals singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The bribery _____ forced the minister to resign.
Etymology
From Ecclesiastical Latin scandalum, "stumbling block, cause of offence," from Greek skándalon, originally meaning a trap set for an enemy.
Related words
Rhymes for scandal
See all rhymes for scandal →Frequently asked questions
What does “scandal” mean?
The word “scandal” means a public event or revelation that causes outrage and damages the reputation of those involved. In plain terms, a shocking event or revelation of wrongdoing that damages someone's or an organisation's reputation.
How do you pronounce “scandal”?
“Scandal” is pronounced SKAN-duhl (/ˈskændəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “scandal” in a sentence?
Here is “scandal” used in a sentence: “The bribery scandal forced the minister to resign.”
What part of speech is “scandal”?
“Scandal” is a noun.
Where does the word “scandal” come from?
The word “scandal” comes from Latin. From Ecclesiastical Latin scandalum, "stumbling block, cause of offence," from Greek skándalon, originally meaning a trap set for an enemy.
Is “scandal” a common word?
“Scandal” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “scandal” have?
“Scandal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a public event or revelation that causes outrage and damages the reputation of those involved.
What is the difference between a scandal and a controversy?
A scandal is a revelation or event that causes public outrage and damages reputations, usually involving wrongdoing. A controversy is a public disagreement or dispute, which may not involve misconduct or the same sense of disgrace.
What is the difference between scandal and gossip?
A scandal is a serious event or revelation that causes outrage and reputational damage. Gossip is casual talk about other people's private affairs, which is often trivial and not always about wrongdoing.
What verbs and adjectives commonly go with scandal?
Common collocations include cause, spark, or erupt in a scandal, and a scandal is often said to break when it becomes public. Frequent adjectives include political, financial, and corruption scandal.
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