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maligning

C1 Verb (present participle/gerund) #33 가장 일반적인 18분 분량

maligning

상위 33

Maligning is a big word for a simple idea: saying bad things about someone. When you are maligning someone, you are not being kind. You are telling stories that make other people think that person is bad. For example, if you tell your friends that 'Tom is a thief' but Tom is not a thief, you are maligning Tom. It is like 'bad-mouthing' or 'talking trash.' We use this word when we want to be very serious about someone being mean with their words. At this level, just remember: Maligning = Saying bad, mean, and unfair things to hurt someone's feelings or their name. It is a very unfriendly thing to do. If someone is maligning you, they are trying to make you look like a bad person. You should always try to be nice and avoid maligning your friends or family. Even if you are angry, it is better to talk about the problem than to start maligning the other person. In school, teachers might tell you that maligning others is not allowed because it is a form of bullying. It is important to speak the truth and be respectful to everyone.

At the A2 level, we can understand 'maligning' as a specific way of being mean. It is the act of speaking or writing about someone in a way that is not fair. Usually, the person who is maligning wants to hurt the other person's reputation. A reputation is what people think about you. If you have a good reputation, people think you are honest and kind. If someone starts maligning you, they are trying to change that good reputation into a bad one. For example, in a story, a 'bad guy' might start maligning the hero so that the townspeople will be afraid of the hero. You can use this word in sentences like: 'He is maligning his sister because he is jealous.' This shows *why* he is doing it. It is more than just a lie; it is a lie with a bad purpose. When you hear this word, think of someone spreading rumors or gossiping in a very mean way. It is a formal word, so you might see it in books or news reports about people arguing. It is a good word to know if you want to describe someone who is being very unfair with their words.

Maligning is a verb that describes the act of attacking someone's character through speech or writing. At the B1 level, you should recognize that this word implies a level of intent. The person maligning isn't just making a mistake; they are intentionally trying to damage how others perceive the victim. It is often used in contexts where there is a conflict, such as a workplace dispute or a political disagreement. For instance, 'The company was accused of maligning its former employees to prevent them from finding new jobs.' This shows a clear, harmful goal. It is a more formal and powerful alternative to 'bad-mouthing.' When you use 'maligning,' you are suggesting that the criticism is not only negative but also unjustified and spiteful. It is a useful word for writing essays about social issues or discussing character motivations in literature. You might also hear it in the news when a famous person says the media is 'maligning' them. This means they feel the media is being unfairly mean and trying to ruin their life. It's a key word for understanding how people use language to gain power or hurt their enemies.

At the B2 level, 'maligning' is understood as a sophisticated term for character defamation. It involves making harmful, often false, statements about someone with the specific goal of damaging their reputation. This word is frequently used in professional, legal, and political contexts. For example, in a business setting, one might say, 'The competitor is maligning our brand by spreading false information about our product's safety.' This usage highlights the strategic and malicious nature of the act. B2 learners should be able to distinguish 'maligning' from 'criticizing.' Criticism can be constructive and based on facts, whereas maligning is inherently destructive and often based on bias or lies. The word is also common in discussions about media ethics. You might read an article about how certain groups are being maligned in the press. In this case, it refers to a systematic effort to portray a group in a negative light. When using this word, pay attention to the tone; it is a serious accusation. If you accuse someone of maligning you, you are saying they are acting with 'malice'—a desire to do evil. It is a powerful tool for expressing moral indignation in both written and spoken English.

Maligning is a C1-level term that denotes the calculated and often systematic disparagement of an individual's or entity's reputation. It goes beyond mere insult, suggesting a persistent and malicious effort to undermine credibility, integrity, or social standing. In C1 discourse, the word is used to analyze the rhetoric of power, the ethics of journalism, and the nuances of interpersonal conflict. For example, a C1 student might write: 'The candidate's strategy relied heavily on maligning his opponent's personal life, effectively distracting the electorate from substantive policy debates.' This demonstrates an understanding of how maligning functions as a rhetorical tactic. The word implies a violation of ethical standards; to malign someone is to treat them with a lack of 'good faith.' It is often found in high-level literature, legal arguments regarding defamation, and academic critiques of historical narratives. C1 learners should also be aware of the word's etymology (Latin *malignus*), which reinforces the idea of an 'evil-natured' attack. Mastering this word allows for precise communication about the darker aspects of human social interaction, providing a way to describe complex behaviors like character assassination and the spread of malicious propaganda with accuracy and gravitas.

In the C2 realm, 'maligning' is treated as a precise instrument for describing the intentional subversion of truth to facilitate character assassination. It is a term that sits at the intersection of ethics, law, and linguistics. A C2 speaker understands that maligning is not merely about the content of the speech, but the 'animus'—the underlying hostile intent—of the speaker. It is often used in complex analyses of historical revisionism, where certain figures are maligned by subsequent regimes to justify political shifts. For instance: 'The historiography of the period is marred by the systematic maligning of the deposed monarch, a process designed to legitimize the nascent revolutionary government.' Here, 'maligning' is part of a broader socio-political critique. C2 proficiency also involves recognizing the word's relationship to similar terms like 'traducing,' 'vilifying,' and 'calumniating,' and choosing 'maligning' specifically when the focus is on the spiteful and harmful nature of the discourse. It is a word that carries significant weight in legal contexts, particularly in cases of 'tortious interference' or 'defamation per se.' At this level, the user is expected to employ 'maligning' with perfect register and to understand its potential to evoke a strong moral response from the audience. It is the hallmark of a sophisticated vocabulary, used to dissect the motives behind the most destructive forms of human communication.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

maligning 30초 만에

Maligning is the act of speaking or writing about someone in an unfairly critical or spiteful manner to damage their reputation.
It is a C1-level formal word that implies malicious intent and a lack of fairness in the criticism being leveled.
Commonly used in legal, political, and professional contexts to describe character assassination or systematic defamation of a person or group.
Key synonyms include slandering, vilifying, and defaming, while the word is often confused with the medical term 'malignant'.

The term maligning is a sophisticated verb form, specifically the present participle or gerund of 'malign.' At its core, it refers to the deliberate and often systematic act of speaking or writing about someone in an unfairly critical, spiteful, or even malicious manner. Unlike simple criticism, which might be constructive or based on objective facts, maligning is characterized by an underlying intent to cause harm. It is a calculated attempt to erode a person's social standing, professional credibility, or personal integrity. When someone is maligning another, they are not merely expressing a grievance; they are engaging in a form of character assassination that relies on exaggeration, misrepresentation, or outright falsehoods. The word carries a heavy moral weight, suggesting that the speaker is acting out of petty jealousy, political maneuvering, or a deep-seated animosity. In the modern era, the scope of maligning has expanded from whispered rumors in physical corridors to viral campaigns on social media platforms, where the speed of information can make the damage nearly irreversible.

Etymological Root: Derived from the Latin 'malignus,' a combination of 'malus' (evil) and 'gignere' (to produce or beget). Literally, it means to produce evil or to have an evil nature.

In professional environments, maligning often manifests as 'office politics.' It might involve a colleague subtly casting doubt on another's competence during a meeting or spreading rumors about their work ethic to a supervisor. The goal is frequently to secure a promotion or to deflect blame for a shared failure. In the legal world, the act of maligning is closely related to defamation, which includes both libel (written) and slander (spoken). While 'maligning' is a broader descriptive term, its legal counterparts provide a framework for seeking justice when the harm to reputation results in tangible loss, such as the termination of a contract or the loss of a livelihood. The psychological motivation behind maligning is often complex; it can stem from a desire for power, a need to feel superior, or a defensive mechanism to hide one's own insecurities by highlighting the perceived flaws of others.

The rival company was caught maligning our product's safety standards in their latest advertising campaign, leading to a massive lawsuit.

Furthermore, the act of maligning is not limited to individuals. It can be directed at institutions, ethnic groups, or even abstract concepts like a specific ideology or a scientific theory. When a group is maligned, the consequences can be societal, leading to prejudice, discrimination, and the marginalization of vulnerable populations. Historians often analyze how certain figures were maligned by their contemporaries to understand the political biases of the time. For instance, many female historical figures were maligned as 'hysterical' or 'wicked' simply because they challenged the patriarchal norms of their era. Understanding the nuance of this word requires recognizing the difference between 'stating a harsh truth' and 'maligning.' The former is grounded in reality, while the latter is fueled by a desire to destroy. It is a word that demands caution; to accuse someone of maligning is itself a serious charge, implying that their criticism is not only wrong but also malicious in its origin.

Social Context: Commonly used in political commentary to describe how candidates treat their opponents during high-stakes elections.

Stop maligning your brother just because he won the competition; it makes you look bitter.

In literature and film, the 'maligned hero' is a common trope—a character who is actually virtuous but is perceived as a villain because of the lies spread by the true antagonist. This narrative device relies on the audience's empathy for someone who is being unfairly targeted. The act of maligning creates a tension between appearance and reality, making it a powerful tool for storytellers. In everyday conversation, we might use the word to defend a friend: 'You are maligning her character without knowing the full story.' This usage serves as a linguistic shield, calling out the unfairness of the attack. Ultimately, maligning is a destructive social behavior that undermines trust and community. By identifying it, we can better navigate the complexities of human relationships and advocate for a more honest and compassionate form of communication.

The documentary aims to stop the media from maligning the reputation of the small town after the incident.

Legal Nuance: While not always a legal term itself, it describes the behavior that leads to 'defamation of character' lawsuits.

He spent the entire evening maligning his ex-wife to anyone who would listen.

The press was accused of maligning the scientist's findings before the peer review was even finished.

Using the word maligning correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a present participle. It typically functions as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund acting as a noun. Because it is a high-level (C1) word, it is most effective in formal writing, academic discourse, or serious interpersonal discussions. When you use 'maligning,' you are making a specific claim about the *intent* of the speaker. You aren't just saying they are wrong; you are saying they are being intentionally harmful. For example, 'She is maligning my efforts' suggests she is trying to make me look bad on purpose. This is much stronger than saying 'She is criticizing my efforts.' The choice of this word adds a layer of moral judgment to your sentence, which can be very persuasive in an argument or a formal complaint.

Grammatical Pattern 1: Subject + Be + Maligning + Object: This is the most common usage, describing an ongoing action of speaking ill of someone. Example: 'The media is constantly maligning the young athlete.'

Another common way to use 'maligning' is as a gerund phrase serving as the subject or object of a sentence. For instance, 'Maligning a colleague is a fireable offense in this company.' Here, the act itself is the focus. This structure is particularly useful in policy documents, legal warnings, or ethical guidelines. It treats the behavior as a discrete concept. You can also use it after prepositions: 'He was punished for maligning the principal.' This highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between the harmful speech and its consequences. When constructing these sentences, ensure that the target of the maligning (the object) is clearly identified, as the word requires a recipient for the harmful action to make sense.

By maligning the local charity, the blogger inadvertently caused a decrease in essential donations.

In more complex sentence structures, 'maligning' can be used in participial phrases to provide additional context about a subject. For example, 'Maligning his predecessors at every turn, the new CEO sought to establish a completely different corporate culture.' In this case, the act of maligning is a secondary action that explains the CEO's approach. This adds descriptive depth to your writing, allowing you to convey multiple ideas simultaneously. It's important to note that 'maligning' is almost always used with a human or human-like subject (such as a corporation or a newspaper), as it implies a conscious choice to be spiteful. You wouldn't say 'The weather is maligning my vacation,' because the weather has no intent; instead, you might say 'The weather is ruining my vacation.'

Grammatical Pattern 2: Gerund as Subject: 'Maligning others will eventually damage your own reputation more than theirs.'

The defense attorney argued that the prosecution was maligning the witness to distract from the lack of evidence.

To use the word with maximum impact, consider the register of your audience. In a casual text message, 'maligning' might feel too stiff; 'talking trash' or 'bad-mouthing' would be more appropriate. However, in a formal letter to an HR department or a published op-ed, 'maligning' is the precise term that conveys professional gravity. It signals that you are aware of the ethical and potentially legal boundaries being crossed. When you use it, you are not just complaining; you are identifying a specific type of social transgression. This precision is what makes C1-level vocabulary so valuable—it allows for a more nuanced and accurate representation of complex human behaviors.

Is it possible to critique a policy without maligning the people who created it?

Grammatical Pattern 3: After Prepositions: 'There is no excuse for maligning a person's private life in a public forum.'

The author felt that the critics were maligning his intent rather than analyzing the text itself.

Stop maligning the local school system; they are doing their best with limited resources.

While you might not hear 'maligning' in a casual conversation at a coffee shop, it is a staple of high-level discourse in several specific arenas. One of the most common places is in **political journalism**. Reporters and commentators frequently use the word to describe how opposing candidates attack one another. You might hear a news anchor say, 'The senator accused her opponent of maligning her record on environmental issues.' In this context, the word highlights the aggressive and potentially dishonest nature of political campaigning. It suggests that the attacks are not just about policy differences but are aimed at destroying the opponent's personal credibility. This usage is particularly prevalent during election cycles when 'mudslinging'—a more informal synonym—is at its peak.

News Media: Used to describe aggressive rhetoric between public figures or nations. 'The foreign ministry issued a statement against the maligning of their cultural heritage.'

Another significant arena is the **legal system**. In courtrooms, lawyers use 'maligning' to describe the behavior of a party that has committed defamation. A plaintiff's attorney might argue, 'The defendant has been systematically maligning my client's business reputation for months, leading to significant financial losses.' Here, the word is used to build a case for damages. It helps the jury or judge understand the malicious intent behind the statements. Similarly, in **corporate environments**, HR professionals or executives might use the word when discussing workplace conduct or ethics violations. A memo might state, 'Maligning colleagues or subordinates will not be tolerated and is grounds for disciplinary action.' In these settings, the word serves as a formal marker of unacceptable behavior.

In the courtroom drama, the lawyer shouted, 'You are maligning a decorated veteran with these baseless accusations!'

You will also encounter 'maligning' in **literary and film criticism**. Critics use it to describe how a character is treated within a story or how a particular group is portrayed by a filmmaker. For example, 'The director was criticized for maligning the working class by depicting them as unintelligent and lazy.' In this academic or analytical context, the word is used to identify bias and unfair representation. It is a tool for social critique, allowing the writer to point out how media can reinforce harmful stereotypes. Furthermore, in **historical documentaries**, narrators often use the word to describe how historical figures were viewed by their enemies. 'For centuries, historians were guilty of maligning Richard III, portraying him as a monstrous usurper based on Tudor propaganda.'

Academic Discourse: Used in sociology or media studies to discuss the unfair portrayal of marginalized groups. 'The study explores the maligning of immigrant communities in 19th-century literature.'

The CEO's speech focused on how the industry had been maligning innovation in favor of short-term profits.

Finally, 'maligning' is increasingly common in **online discourse** regarding 'cancel culture' and social media ethics. Influencers or public figures who feel they are being unfairly attacked might post a video or statement saying, 'I am tired of people maligning my character based on a five-second clip taken out of context.' In this digital age, the word has become a way to push back against the 'court of public opinion.' It is a sophisticated way to say 'you are lying about me to make people hate me.' Whether in a high-stakes legal battle, a political debate, or a YouTube apology video, 'maligning' is the word of choice for describing the intentional destruction of a reputation.

The podcast host spent twenty minutes maligning the latest blockbuster movie, calling it a 'stain on cinema history.'

Workplace Ethics: 'We must foster a culture of respect, which means no maligning of competitors or former employees.'

The documentary was accused of maligning the entire medical profession by focusing only on a few corrupt individuals.

He felt that by maligning his family name, the newspaper had crossed a line that could never be uncrossed.

One of the most frequent errors English learners make with maligning is confusing it with the adjective **'malignant.'** While both words share the same Latin root ('malus'), they are used in very different contexts. 'Malignant' is primarily a medical term used to describe a tumor that is cancerous and likely to spread, or more generally, something that is very infectious or harmful in a biological sense. You would never say 'The doctor is maligning the tumor,' nor would you say 'He has a maligning personality.' To avoid this, remember that 'maligning' is an *action* (the act of speaking ill), whereas 'malignant' is a *quality* or *condition* (being harmful or cancerous). Mixing these up can lead to very confusing, and sometimes unintentionally morbid, sentences.

Mistake 1: Maligning vs. Malignant: Incorrect: 'The patient has a maligning growth.' Correct: 'The patient has a malignant growth.' Incorrect: 'She is malignant her coworkers.' Correct: 'She is maligning her coworkers.'

Another common mistake is using 'maligning' to describe **simple, honest criticism**. If a teacher tells a student their essay needs more work, they are not maligning the student; they are providing feedback. Maligning requires an element of unfairness and malice. If you use the word too lightly, you risk sounding overly dramatic or defensive. For example, if a friend says they don't like your new shoes and you respond, 'Stop maligning my fashion sense,' it sounds like a joke because the word is so heavy. Use 'criticizing,' 'disliking,' or 'disapproving' for minor issues. Reserve 'maligning' for situations where someone's reputation is being seriously and unfairly attacked. It is a 'heavyweight' word that should be used for 'heavyweight' problems.

Don't confuse maligning (speaking ill) with 'misaligning' (putting things out of order, like car tires).

Grammatically, learners sometimes forget that 'maligning' is a **transitive verb**, meaning it *must* have an object. You cannot just say 'He is maligning.' You must specify *who* or *what* he is maligning. For example, 'He is maligning the government.' If you leave out the object, the sentence is incomplete. Additionally, some people confuse 'maligning' with **'misaligning.'** While they sound somewhat similar, 'misaligning' means to put things out of their proper relative position (like teeth or the wheels of a car). Saying 'I am misaligning my boss' would mean you are physically moving your boss out of a straight line, which is nonsensical in a professional context. Always check the spelling to ensure you are talking about speech (maligning) and not physical placement (misaligning).

Mistake 2: Missing Object: Incorrect: 'The rumors were maligning.' Correct: 'The rumors were maligning the CEO.' (Or use the adjective: 'The rumors were malign.')

Wait, are you maligning my favorite restaurant just because you had to wait ten minutes for a table?

Finally, be careful with the **formality level**. Using 'maligning' in a very informal setting can make you sound like you are trying too hard to use big words. If you are hanging out with friends and someone is being mean, you might say 'Stop hating on him' or 'Stop dissing him.' Using 'maligning' in that context is technically correct but stylistically jarring. It’s like wearing a tuxedo to a backyard barbecue. Understanding the 'register' of a word—the social situation it fits into—is a key part of reaching the C1 and C2 levels of English proficiency. Use 'maligning' when the stakes are high, the setting is formal, or the harm is significant.

The critic's review was so harsh it bordered on maligning the actors' personal lives.

Mistake 3: Register Mismatch: Using 'maligning' when someone is just being slightly rude. Use 'bad-mouthing' for casual situations.

The article was not just a critique; it was a systematic maligning of the entire project.

Stop maligning the previous owners; they did the best they could with this old house.

To truly master the word maligning, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms, as each carries a slightly different nuance. **'Slandering'** is perhaps the closest synonym, but it has a specific legal connotation. Slander refers specifically to *spoken* defamation that is false and damaging. 'Maligning' is broader; it can be spoken or written, and it emphasizes the spiteful nature of the act rather than just the legal falsehood. **'Vilifying'** is even stronger than maligning. When you vilify someone, you are trying to make them appear like a 'villain' or a completely evil person. It is a more extreme form of character assassination. If maligning is a sharp knife, vilifying is a sledgehammer. Use 'vilifying' when the attack is exceptionally harsh and intended to incite widespread hatred.

Maligning vs. Slandering: Maligning is the general act of speaking ill with bad intent. Slandering is the specific legal act of making false spoken statements to damage a reputation.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have **'disparaging.'** To disparage someone is to speak of them in a way that belittles them or suggests they are of little worth. It is less about 'evil intent' and more about 'lowering someone's value.' For example, a critic might disparage a movie by saying it is 'uninspired,' but they would only be maligning the director if they claimed the director stole the idea or was a terrible person. **'Defaming'** is another common alternative, often used in professional and legal contexts. It is a neutral-to-formal term for damaging a reputation. If you want to sound objective and clinical, use 'defaming.' If you want to highlight the cruelty and unfairness of the act, 'maligning' is the better choice.

While he was only disparaging the quality of the food, she felt he was maligning her skills as a chef.

In informal settings, you have a wealth of alternatives like **'bad-mouthing,' 'trash-talking,'** or **'dissing.'** These are perfect for casual conversations with friends. 'He's always bad-mouthing his boss' sounds much more natural than 'He is constantly maligning his supervisor' when you're at a bar. Another interesting word is **'traducing.'** This is a very formal, somewhat archaic word that means to speak badly of or tell lies about someone so as to damage their reputation. You might find it in 19th-century literature or very formal legal documents. Finally, **'aspersing'** (often used in the phrase 'casting aspersions') is a sophisticated way to describe the act of making subtle, indirect attacks on someone's character. While maligning is often direct, aspersing is sneaky and suggestive.

Maligning vs. Vilifying: Maligning is hurtful and unfair speech. Vilifying is making someone out to be a monster or a villain.

The tabloids are notorious for maligning celebrities for the sake of clicks.

When choosing between these words, consider the 'temperature' of the situation. Is it a heated legal battle? Use 'defaming' or 'slandering.' Is it a bitter personal feud? Use 'maligning' or 'vilifying.' Is it a minor disagreement? Use 'disparaging' or 'criticizing.' By selecting the most precise word, you demonstrate a high level of linguistic control and emotional intelligence. You aren't just saying someone is 'being mean'; you are accurately diagnosing the nature of their behavior. This level of precision is exactly what examiners look for in C1 and C2 level writing and speaking tests. It shows that you understand the subtle shades of meaning that make the English language so rich and expressive.

Instead of maligning the competition, focus on making your own product better.

Maligning vs. Disparaging: Maligning focuses on the malice and intent to harm. Disparaging focuses on making something seem unimportant or low-quality.

The documentary was careful to avoid maligning the victims while still telling the difficult truth.

Stop maligning the entire generation; every age group has its own challenges.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

중립

비격식체

Child friendly

속어

재미있는 사실

The 'g' in 'maligning' is silent because it follows a pattern in English where 'gn' at the end of a root syllable results in a long vowel and a silent 'g,' similar to 'sign' and 'benign.'

발음 가이드

UK /məˈlaɪnɪŋ/

US /məˈlaɪnɪŋ/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: ma-LIGN-ing.

라임이 맞는 단어

aligning assigning designing refining defining shining dining whining

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'g' (it should be silent).
Stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the vowel sound in the second syllable with a short 'i' like in 'linn'.

난이도

독해 8/5

Requires understanding of formal tone and silent letters.

쓰기 9/5

Difficult to use with the correct register and intent.

말하기 8/5

The silent 'g' can be tricky for non-native speakers.

듣기 7/5

Easily confused with 'malignant' or 'misaligning' if not heard clearly.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

malign malice reputation criticize unfair

다음에 배울 것

vilifying defamation slander libel traducing

고급

calumny vituperation obloquy denigration aspersion

알아야 할 문법

Gerund as Subject

Maligning others is a sign of insecurity.

Present Participle in Continuous Tense

They are maligning the new policy.

Gerund after Prepositions

He was punished for maligning the teacher.

Silent 'G' Pattern

Malign, Sign, Design, Benign.

Transitive Verb Usage

You must malign *someone* or *something*.

수준별 예문

Stop maligning your friend; it is not nice.

Stop saying bad things about your friend.

Present continuous used as a command.

He is maligning his brother because he is angry.

He is saying mean things about his brother.

Subject + is + verb-ing.

Is she maligning me?

Is she saying bad things about me?

Question form of present continuous.

They are maligning the new student.

They are talking trash about the new student.

Plural subject with 'are'.

I don't like maligning people.

I don't like saying bad things about people.

Gerund used as the object of 'like'.

The bad man was maligning the king.

The bad man was saying mean things about the king.

Past continuous tense.

Please stop maligning the teacher.

Please stop saying mean things about the teacher.

Imperative with 'please'.

She felt sad after they were maligning her.

She was sad because they said bad things.

Past continuous after 'after'.

The rumors were maligning her reputation at school.

The stories were hurting her good name.

Focus on the object 'reputation'.

He was caught maligning his boss in an email.

He was found saying bad things about his boss.

Passive voice construction 'was caught'.

Maligning others is a bad habit.

Saying bad things about others is a bad habit.

Gerund as the subject of the sentence.

Why are you maligning the local library?

Why are you saying mean things about the library?

Interrogative present continuous.

The article was maligning the famous singer.

The story was saying unfair things about the singer.

Past continuous with a singular subject.

She apologized for maligning her neighbor.

She said sorry for saying bad things.

Gerund after the preposition 'for'.

They spent the whole day maligning the competition.

They talked bad about the other team all day.

Verb + time expression + gerund.

It is wrong to be maligning people you don't know.

It's bad to say mean things about strangers.

Infinitive phrase containing a gerund.

The politician was accused of maligning his opponent's family.

People said the politician was unfairly attacking his rival's family.

Passive voice 'was accused of' + gerund.

I believe the media is maligning the scientist's work.

I think the news is unfairly attacking the scientist's research.

Present continuous with a collective noun subject.

Maligning a coworker can lead to serious trouble at work.

Attacking a colleague's character can cause problems.

Gerund phrase as a subject.

He felt that his ex-partner was maligning him to their mutual friends.

He thought his ex was saying bad things to their friends.

Reported thought using past continuous.

Stop maligning the project before it has even started.

Don't attack the plan before it begins.

Imperative with a temporal clause.

The documentary was criticized for maligning the local community.

People didn't like the film because it was mean to the town.

Passive voice + 'for' + gerund.

Is there any evidence that they were maligning the brand?

Is there proof they were attacking the company's name?

Noun clause 'that they were...'.

She has a reputation for maligning anyone who disagrees with her.

She is known for saying bad things about people who don't agree.

Noun + 'for' + gerund.

The rival company was caught maligning our product's safety standards.

The other company was found spreading lies about our safety.

Passive construction with a gerund complement.

By maligning the witness, the lawyer hoped to win the case.

By attacking the witness's character, the lawyer tried to win.

Prepositional phrase starting with 'By'.

The press was accused of systematically maligning the royal family.

The newspapers were blamed for organized attacks on the royals.

Adverb 'systematically' modifying the gerund.

It's one thing to disagree, but maligning her character is unacceptable.

Disagreement is fine, but character attacks are not.

Contrastive structure using 'It's one thing... but...'.

He spent years maligning the institution that had once supported him.

He spent a long time attacking the group that helped him.

Verb 'spent' + time + gerund.

The film explores how the media can be guilty of maligning innocent people.

The movie shows how news can unfairly hurt people.

Adjective 'guilty of' + gerund.

She sued the tabloid for maligning her professional integrity.

She took the paper to court for attacking her work reputation.

Verb 'sued' + object + 'for' + gerund.

Are you suggesting that I am maligning your efforts?

Are you saying I'm unfairly attacking your work?

Noun clause as the object of 'suggesting'.

The campaign was characterized by the relentless maligning of the incumbent's record.

The election was defined by constant attacks on the current leader's history.

Noun phrase 'the relentless maligning of'.

Historians have often been guilty of maligning figures who challenged the status quo.

History writers often unfairly attacked people who wanted change.

Perfect infinitive structure 'have been guilty of'.

Maligning the motives of your critics is a common defensive tactic.

Attacking the reasons why people criticize you is a normal way to defend yourself.

Gerund as subject with a possessive object.

The report warns against maligning the intelligence of the electorate.

The document says don't say the voters are stupid.

Verb 'warns against' + gerund.

He was dismissed for maligning the company's ethical standards in a public forum.

He was fired for attacking the company's morals in public.

Passive voice 'was dismissed' + reason.

The author felt the reviewers were maligning the book's intent rather than its execution.

The writer thought critics attacked the 'why' instead of the 'how'.

Contrastive objects 'intent' vs 'execution'.

Maligning the character of a whistleblower is a classic form of retaliation.

Attacking the person who reports a crime is a typical way to get revenge.

Gerund phrase as a complex subject.

The diplomat was careful to avoid maligning the host nation's traditions.

The official made sure not to say bad things about the country's culture.

Adjective 'careful to avoid' + gerund.

The systematic maligning of the dissident was a precursor to his eventual exile.

The organized character attacks happened before he was sent away.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

One must distinguish between legitimate critique and the malicious maligning of an individual.

You have to see the difference between real feedback and mean attacks.

Formal 'One must' construction.

The essay argues that the Victorian era was guilty of maligning the 'fallen woman'.

The writing says the 1800s unfairly attacked certain women.

Gerund used to describe a historical social phenomenon.

The defendant's counsel argued that the prosecution was maligning his client's past to bias the jury.

The lawyer said the other side attacked his client's history to influence the jury.

Subordinate clause with past continuous.

Maligning the very foundations of the scientific method is a dangerous trend.

Attacking the basic rules of science is a bad development.

Gerund with an abstract, foundational object.

The biography succeeds in humanizing a figure long subject to relentless maligning.

The book makes a person seem real after they were attacked for a long time.

Noun phrase 'subject to relentless maligning'.

He viewed the criticism not as a scholarly debate, but as a concerted effort at maligning his legacy.

He didn't see it as a smart talk, but as a group trying to ruin his name.

Prepositional phrase 'at maligning'.

The rhetoric of the period was steeped in the maligning of foreign cultures.

The language of that time was full of attacks on other cultures.

Passive-like 'steeped in' + gerund.

자주 쓰는 조합

maligning the character of

systematically maligning

unfairly maligning

maligning a reputation

constantly maligning

accused of maligning

stop maligning

maligning the motives

guilty of maligning

avoid maligning

자주 쓰는 구문

maligning the dead

maligning the competition

maligning the truth

relentless maligning

maligning the innocent

publicly maligning

maligning a legacy

subtly maligning

accidental maligning

stop the maligning

자주 혼동되는 단어

maligning vs malignant

Malignant is an adjective for medical tumors or general harmfulness; maligning is the act of speaking ill.

maligning vs misaligning

Misaligning means putting things out of physical order; maligning is about character attacks.

maligning vs malfunctioning

Malfunctioning refers to machines not working; maligning refers to people speaking spitefully.

관용어 및 표현

"drag someone's name through the mud"

To unfairly damage someone's reputation by saying bad things about them.

They are dragging his name through the mud by maligning his past.

Informal/Idiomatic

"stab someone in the back"

To betray someone, often by maligning them to others.

She stabbed him in the back by maligning his work to the boss.

Informal

"character assassination"

The deliberate process of destroying someone's reputation.

The article was nothing more than a character assassination, maligning him at every turn.

Formal

"poison the well"

To provide negative information about someone to preemptively ruin their reputation.

He poisoned the well by maligning the new manager before she even arrived.

Neutral

"cast aspersions"

To make critical or damaging remarks.

Stop casting aspersions and maligning my integrity.

Formal

"sling mud"

To make insulting or damaging remarks about an opponent.

The candidates spent the whole debate slinging mud and maligning each other.

Informal/Political

"tear someone to shreds"

To criticize someone very harshly.

The critics tore the play to shreds, effectively maligning the playwright's talent.

Informal

"run someone down"

To criticize someone unfairly or unkindly.

He's always running her down and maligning her choices.

Informal

"speak ill of"

To say bad things about someone.

You shouldn't speak ill of your elders, let alone start maligning them.

Neutral

"give someone a bad name"

To cause people to have a poor opinion of someone.

By maligning the profession, a few corrupt doctors are giving everyone a bad name.

Neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

maligning vs malignant

They share the same root and sound similar.

Malignant is a state of being (often medical), while maligning is an active behavior of speech.

The tumor was malignant, but the doctor was not maligning the patient.

maligning vs misaligning

Phonetic similarity.

Misaligning is physical (tires, teeth), maligning is verbal (reputation).

I am misaligning the wheels, not maligning the mechanic.

maligning vs malingering

Both start with 'mal' and end in 'ing'.

Malingering is pretending to be sick to avoid work; maligning is attacking someone's character.

He was malingering to stay home, while his boss was maligning him at the office.

maligning vs benign

Opposite meaning but similar silent 'g' structure.

Benign means harmless or kind; maligning is harmful and unkind.

Her comments were benign, unlike his constant maligning.

maligning vs malign

It is the root verb.

Malign is the base verb; maligning is the continuous action or the noun-form (gerund).

Do not malign him; stop your maligning at once.

문장 패턴

Stop [verb-ing] [person].

Stop maligning him.

[Person] is [verb-ing] [noun].

She is maligning my friend.

[Person] was accused of [verb-ing] [noun].

He was accused of maligning the company.

By [verb-ing] [noun], [person] [verb-ed].

By maligning the witness, the lawyer won.

The [adjective] [verb-ing] of [noun] is [adjective].

The relentless maligning of the candidate is unfair.

[Noun] is subject to [adjective] [verb-ing].

His legacy is subject to constant maligning.

It is one thing to [verb], but [verb-ing] is [adjective].

It is one thing to disagree, but maligning him is wrong.

The rhetoric was steeped in the [verb-ing] of [noun].

The rhetoric was steeped in the maligning of the past.

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Common in journalism, law, and formal literature; rare in casual daily speech.

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'g'. → /məˈlaɪnɪŋ/
The 'g' is silent. It should sound like 'muh-line-ing'.
Using it instead of 'malignant'. → The tumor is malignant.
Malignant is for health/medical issues; maligning is for speech.
Using it without an object. → He is maligning his rival.
You cannot just say 'He is maligning.' You must say who he is attacking.
Using it for simple criticism. → He is criticizing my work.
Maligning implies a desire to hurt someone unfairly; criticism can be helpful.
Confusing with 'malingering'. → He is malingering to avoid the test.
Malingering is faking illness; maligning is attacking character.

팁

Use for Intent

Only use 'maligning' when you want to suggest that the person speaking has a bad motive. If they are just wrong, use 'misrepresenting'.

Always use an Object

Remember that maligning is a transitive verb. You must always state *who* is being maligned in the sentence.

Silent G

Think of the word 'line' when you say 'maligning.' The 'g' is never heard, just like in 'sign'.

Save for Formal Writing

This word is perfect for essays, formal complaints, or professional emails, but might sound too stiff for a casual chat.

Compare with Slander

If you are writing about a legal case, check if 'slander' or 'libel' might be more technically accurate than 'maligning'.

Adverb Pairing

Maligning goes well with adverbs like 'systematically,' 'unfairly,' and 'viciously' to add more detail to the action.

Political Context

This is a very common word in political news. Pay attention to how journalists use it to describe candidate interactions.

The 'Mal' Root

Whenever you see 'mal' at the start of a word (malice, malfunction, malign), think 'bad.' It will help you remember the meaning.

Sensitivity

Be careful when accusing someone of maligning; it is a serious charge that can escalate a conflict.

Gerund Use

Using 'maligning' as a gerund (e.g., 'The maligning of...') is a great way to make your sentences sound more academic.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'Mal' (bad) 'Line' (of speech). If you are maligning someone, you are giving them a 'Bad Line' of talk.

시각적 연상

Imagine someone holding a bucket of black paint and throwing it onto a clean white statue. The paint represents the 'maligning' words damaging the 'statue' of someone's reputation.

Word Web

Malice Slander Reputation Harm Speech Unfair Lies Character

챌린지

Try to write three sentences about a movie villain who is maligning the hero. Use the word in three different grammatical positions (subject, object, and after a preposition).

어원

The word comes from the Middle English 'malignen,' which was borrowed from the Old French 'maligner.' This, in turn, came from the Latin 'malignare' (to do or contrive maliciously).

원래 의미: The Latin root 'malignus' means 'wicked' or 'bad-natured,' formed from 'malus' (bad) and the root of 'gignere' (to beget or produce).

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > French > English.

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using this word; accusing someone of 'maligning' is a strong charge that implies they are acting with evil intent.

In the UK and US, maligning is often discussed in the context of 'freedom of speech' versus 'protection of reputation.'

Shakespeare's 'Othello' features Iago maligning Desdemona to Othello. The term is often used in political biographies, such as those of Richard III. Legal dramas like 'Suits' or 'The Good Wife' frequently use the term in defamation cases.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Politics

maligning the opponent
campaign of maligning
maligning the record
accused of maligning

Workplace

maligning a colleague
maligning the boss
stop the maligning
maligning professional integrity

Legal

maligning the witness
guilty of maligning
maligning for damages
systematic maligning

Media

maligning celebrities
tabloid maligning
maligning a group
media maligning

Personal Relationships

maligning an ex
stop maligning me
maligning friends
unfairly maligning

대화 시작하기

"Do you think the media is guilty of maligning certain public figures unfairly?"

"Have you ever had to defend someone because others were maligning their character?"

"In your opinion, where is the line between honest criticism and maligning someone?"

"How should a company respond when a competitor starts maligning their products?"

"Why do you think some people enjoy maligning others behind their backs?"

일기 주제

Describe a time when you felt someone was maligning you. How did you handle the situation and protect your reputation?

Write an essay about the impact of social media on the act of maligning individuals. Is it easier now than in the past?

Reflect on a historical figure who you believe was maligned by historians. Why was their reputation attacked?

How can we foster a culture of constructive feedback that avoids the trap of maligning others?

Discuss the legal differences between maligning, slander, and libel in your home country.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Not necessarily, but it is always unfair. Maligning involves presenting information—true or false—in a spiteful way to damage someone's reputation. Even if a fact is true, using it out of context to hurt someone can be considered maligning.

You don't! The 'g' is silent. It is pronounced /məˈlaɪnɪŋ/, rhyming with 'aligning' and 'designing.' Pronouncing the 'g' is a common mistake for English learners.

Usually, we malign people or groups. However, you can malign an abstract concept like 'the truth' or 'a reputation.' You wouldn't typically malign a physical object like a chair unless you are personifying it.

Slandering is a specific legal term for *spoken* lies. Maligning is a broader, more literary term that covers both spoken and written attacks and emphasizes the malicious intent.

It is a C1-level word, meaning it is common in formal writing, news, and academic contexts, but you won't hear it often in casual, everyday conversation.

Yes, as a gerund. For example: 'The maligning of his character was painful to watch.' In this sentence, 'maligning' acts as the subject noun.

It can be a form of bullying. Maligning specifically refers to the verbal or written attack on a reputation, which is a common tactic used in social or workplace bullying.

The best opposites are 'extolling' (praising highly) or 'vindicating' (clearing someone's name). 'Praising' is the simplest antonym.

Yes, it is a formal word. In casual settings, people usually say 'bad-mouthing' or 'talking behind someone's back.'

Yes, companies often malign their competitors in marketing campaigns or legal disputes to gain an advantage.