Animadversion, stricture, aspersion and reflection all denote a remark or statement that is an adverse criticism.
Animadversion (compare animadvert at REMARK) implies as its motive deep-seated prejudice or ill will or a tendency to carp or cavil.
- given to animadversions on the clergy
- Maty’s animadversions hurt me more. In part they appeared to me unjust, and in part ill-natured
—Cowper
Stricture implies censure, which may be either ill-natured or judicious.
- foreign strictures on the dress, looks, and behavior of the English abroad
—Arnold - the lash of the merciless Porson . . . [whose] strictures are founded in argument, enriched with learning, and enlivened with wit
—Gibbon
Aspersion imputes a slanderous character to the criticism.
- who by aspersions throw a stone at th’ head of others, hit their own
—Herbert - at Cambridge (they tell me) while you speak very well, you write less expertly . . . . you will not set the aspersion down to me
—Quiller-Couchy
Reflection often implies indirect aspersion or a defamatory imputation which may be inferred from what has been said.
- he cannot restrain himself from reflections on kings and priests when he is most contending for them
—Hallam - the reflections on certain named persons’ chastity and honesty
—Geographical Jour.