difamatorio
/difamaˈtoɾjo/
The English word 'defamatory' is translated into Spanish as difamatorio. If unsure, use difamatorio. Wiktionary also lists difamador.
Meaning: damaging to someone’s reputation (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| difamatorio | /difamaˈtoɾjo/ |
| difamador | /difamaˈdoɾ/ |
Both difamatorio and calumnioso are formal options used to describe something that is defamatory, specifically when describing something as slanderous or libelous.
What does it mean word for word?
The word difamatorio is composed of the verb difamar (to defame) and the suffix -torio (pertaining to).
Which one should you use?
Difamatorio is the standard adjective used to describe a statement or an action. In contrast, difamador is a less common form that can function as a noun meaning 'one who defames'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form difamatoria for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/difamaˈtoɾjo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking legal systems, difamación can be a criminal offense rather than just a civil matter, meaning a 'defamatory' comment could theoretically lead to jail time.
- In Spanish law, the concept of difamación is often split into calumnia (falsely accusing someone of a crime) and injuria (insulting someone's dignity), meaning a 'defamatory' statement can be legally categorized by its specific intent.
- Because difamatorio is highly formal, a Spanish speaker in a casual argument is more likely to call a statement mentira (a lie) or mala lengua (bad tongue) than use the formal adjective.
Examples in context
- La publicación realizada por el periódico es difamatoriaThe article published by the newspaper is defamatory.
- Su declaración calumniosa fue muy perjudicialHis slanderous statement was very damaging.
- Ese artículo es totalmente difamatorio.That article is totally defamatory.
- Ella presentó un informe difamatorio contra su jefe.She presented a defamatory report against her boss.
- No publiques comentarios difamatorios en las redes sociales.Do not post defamatory comments on social media.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a news article they saw online.
- Elena¿Leíste la noticia sobre el actor?Did you read the news about the actor?
- MateoSí, pero me pareció un texto muy difamatorio.Yes, but it seemed like a very defamatory text to me.
- ElenaTienes razón, él no hizo nada de eso.You're right, he didn't do any of that.
- MateoEs peligroso publicar algo sin pruebas.It is dangerous to publish something without proof.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “defamatory” translations and entries difamatorio, difamador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
