Word of the Day - 11/06/25
invective
/ɪn'vɛktɪv/(n.): abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will
The politician's speech was filled with invective, spewing bitter accusations against his opponents rather than addressing the real issues.
Word Origin
The word 'invective' originates from the Latin 'invectiva oratio', meaning 'abusive speech'. This comes from the feminine form of 'invectivus', which means 'abusive' or 'reproachful'. 'Invectivus' itself is derived from the Latin verb 'invehere', composed of 'in-' (meaning 'into' or 'against') and 'vehere' (meaning 'to carry' or 'to convey'). Thus, 'invective' literally refers to words or speech 'carried against' someone.
Words with similar origins include 'inveigh' (to speak or write with great hostility, sharing the 'in-' and 'vehere' roots), 'vehicle' (from Latin 'vehiculum', related to 'vehere'), 'convey' (from 'con-' meaning 'together' + 'vehere'), and 'convection' (also related to the 'vehere' root, referring to carrying or transporting heat).