What is the word that means “not saying anything bad in any way about someone”?









up vote
7
down vote

favorite












I have this sentence where I used the word infringement, and I think I'm exaggerating things a bit by choosing it. Moreover, I want it to mean: not saying anything bad in any way about someone, not speaking of them badly.



The sentence:




How do I explain my stance without infringement his family and without
putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




So, is there a suitable word to put it instead of infringement?



Also, about the word stance, does it mean position? And, does it fit in that sentence?










share|improve this question



















  • 4




    Using "infringement" here isn't 'exaggerating things a bit', it's just wrong. It doesn't fit in the sentence grammatically and it doesn't have the meaning you suggest.
    – Michael Kay
    Aug 24 at 23:01










  • @MichaelKay Consider it infringing, so it would be grammatically correct.
    – Tasneem Zh
    Aug 25 at 8:08






  • 1




    @TasneemZh in·fringe (v) - actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.).
    – Sinjai
    Aug 25 at 18:38






  • 1




    The sentence construction just doesn’t sound natural, regardless of the word you choose. Perhaps you want something like “without insulting...” or “without impugning his family’s pride/honor.”
    – CodeGnome
    Aug 26 at 3:37






  • 1




    @MichaelKay You can certainly infringe upon someone, in the sense of “to encroach.”
    – CodeGnome
    Aug 26 at 3:39














up vote
7
down vote

favorite












I have this sentence where I used the word infringement, and I think I'm exaggerating things a bit by choosing it. Moreover, I want it to mean: not saying anything bad in any way about someone, not speaking of them badly.



The sentence:




How do I explain my stance without infringement his family and without
putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




So, is there a suitable word to put it instead of infringement?



Also, about the word stance, does it mean position? And, does it fit in that sentence?










share|improve this question



















  • 4




    Using "infringement" here isn't 'exaggerating things a bit', it's just wrong. It doesn't fit in the sentence grammatically and it doesn't have the meaning you suggest.
    – Michael Kay
    Aug 24 at 23:01










  • @MichaelKay Consider it infringing, so it would be grammatically correct.
    – Tasneem Zh
    Aug 25 at 8:08






  • 1




    @TasneemZh in·fringe (v) - actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.).
    – Sinjai
    Aug 25 at 18:38






  • 1




    The sentence construction just doesn’t sound natural, regardless of the word you choose. Perhaps you want something like “without insulting...” or “without impugning his family’s pride/honor.”
    – CodeGnome
    Aug 26 at 3:37






  • 1




    @MichaelKay You can certainly infringe upon someone, in the sense of “to encroach.”
    – CodeGnome
    Aug 26 at 3:39












up vote
7
down vote

favorite









up vote
7
down vote

favorite











I have this sentence where I used the word infringement, and I think I'm exaggerating things a bit by choosing it. Moreover, I want it to mean: not saying anything bad in any way about someone, not speaking of them badly.



The sentence:




How do I explain my stance without infringement his family and without
putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




So, is there a suitable word to put it instead of infringement?



Also, about the word stance, does it mean position? And, does it fit in that sentence?










share|improve this question















I have this sentence where I used the word infringement, and I think I'm exaggerating things a bit by choosing it. Moreover, I want it to mean: not saying anything bad in any way about someone, not speaking of them badly.



The sentence:




How do I explain my stance without infringement his family and without
putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




So, is there a suitable word to put it instead of infringement?



Also, about the word stance, does it mean position? And, does it fit in that sentence?







word-choice sentence-construction word-request






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Aug 24 at 7:52









RubioRic

4,0541931




4,0541931










asked Aug 24 at 7:31









Tasneem Zh

160112




160112







  • 4




    Using "infringement" here isn't 'exaggerating things a bit', it's just wrong. It doesn't fit in the sentence grammatically and it doesn't have the meaning you suggest.
    – Michael Kay
    Aug 24 at 23:01










  • @MichaelKay Consider it infringing, so it would be grammatically correct.
    – Tasneem Zh
    Aug 25 at 8:08






  • 1




    @TasneemZh in·fringe (v) - actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.).
    – Sinjai
    Aug 25 at 18:38






  • 1




    The sentence construction just doesn’t sound natural, regardless of the word you choose. Perhaps you want something like “without insulting...” or “without impugning his family’s pride/honor.”
    – CodeGnome
    Aug 26 at 3:37






  • 1




    @MichaelKay You can certainly infringe upon someone, in the sense of “to encroach.”
    – CodeGnome
    Aug 26 at 3:39












  • 4




    Using "infringement" here isn't 'exaggerating things a bit', it's just wrong. It doesn't fit in the sentence grammatically and it doesn't have the meaning you suggest.
    – Michael Kay
    Aug 24 at 23:01










  • @MichaelKay Consider it infringing, so it would be grammatically correct.
    – Tasneem Zh
    Aug 25 at 8:08






  • 1




    @TasneemZh in·fringe (v) - actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.).
    – Sinjai
    Aug 25 at 18:38






  • 1




    The sentence construction just doesn’t sound natural, regardless of the word you choose. Perhaps you want something like “without insulting...” or “without impugning his family’s pride/honor.”
    – CodeGnome
    Aug 26 at 3:37






  • 1




    @MichaelKay You can certainly infringe upon someone, in the sense of “to encroach.”
    – CodeGnome
    Aug 26 at 3:39







4




4




Using "infringement" here isn't 'exaggerating things a bit', it's just wrong. It doesn't fit in the sentence grammatically and it doesn't have the meaning you suggest.
– Michael Kay
Aug 24 at 23:01




Using "infringement" here isn't 'exaggerating things a bit', it's just wrong. It doesn't fit in the sentence grammatically and it doesn't have the meaning you suggest.
– Michael Kay
Aug 24 at 23:01












@MichaelKay Consider it infringing, so it would be grammatically correct.
– Tasneem Zh
Aug 25 at 8:08




@MichaelKay Consider it infringing, so it would be grammatically correct.
– Tasneem Zh
Aug 25 at 8:08




1




1




@TasneemZh in·fringe (v) - actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.).
– Sinjai
Aug 25 at 18:38




@TasneemZh in·fringe (v) - actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.).
– Sinjai
Aug 25 at 18:38




1




1




The sentence construction just doesn’t sound natural, regardless of the word you choose. Perhaps you want something like “without insulting...” or “without impugning his family’s pride/honor.”
– CodeGnome
Aug 26 at 3:37




The sentence construction just doesn’t sound natural, regardless of the word you choose. Perhaps you want something like “without insulting...” or “without impugning his family’s pride/honor.”
– CodeGnome
Aug 26 at 3:37




1




1




@MichaelKay You can certainly infringe upon someone, in the sense of “to encroach.”
– CodeGnome
Aug 26 at 3:39




@MichaelKay You can certainly infringe upon someone, in the sense of “to encroach.”
– CodeGnome
Aug 26 at 3:39










8 Answers
8






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
11
down vote



accepted










Because your question asks for a term that means the opposite of "infringing" or "disparaging", the word I would recommend is "tact."




tact



a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense



The peace talks required great tact on the part of both leaders.




The word "tact" is often used in the form of an adjective ("tactful") or an adverb ("tactfully"). One might also say that something must be said "with tact." The sentence you provided could then become:




How do I explain my stance with tact, so that I do not offend his family or put myself in an awkward position with him?







share|improve this answer




















  • The reconstruction of my sentence that you made with the words tact and offend is perfect. That's why I chose this answer as the best one.
    – Tasneem Zh
    Aug 24 at 15:50

















up vote
13
down vote













It should be infringing and it’s not clear to me what it could mean in this example. Your usage of stance seems correct here.



You could consider disparaging:




disparage

transitive verb

If you disparage someone or something, you speak about them in a way which shows that you do not have a good opinion of them.

[formal]
...Larkin's tendency to disparage literature.

(Collins Dictionary)







share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    10
    down vote













    If the context is that you're trying not to say something bad about the family, you could possibly use casting apsersions?




    cast aspersions

    to say harsh critical things about someone or someone's character
    [formal]
    ...He tried to discuss his political opponents respectfully, without casting aspersions.

    (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)




    So in your case, that would be




    How do I explain my stance without casting aspersions on his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?







    share|improve this answer




















    • If I write that expression in my story, would the native English readers understand it? Or should I clarify what cast aspersions means because it is rare as I last checked?
      – Tasneem Zh
      Aug 24 at 13:21







    • 2




      it might be rare but it isn't obsolete, do not be afraid of expanding your or others vocabulary, with good words. if we only ever use words 100% of our audience understand we will end up writing peter and jane stories, as nobody will ever learn any new words. (mylearningkid.net/product/…)
      – WendyG
      Aug 24 at 13:56






    • 1




      I went with the Merriam-Webster definition as I wasn't sure how common the usage is elsewhere, but in Ireland and the UK it wouldn't be that rare.
      – Mick O'Hea
      Aug 24 at 15:04






    • 2




      Cast aspersions is very good here. It is very used across all varieties of English. It is not rare. It is an idiomatic expression.
      – Lambie
      Aug 24 at 20:22











    • I think "disparaging" is closer to the meaning the OP wants to convey. To my mind "casting aspersions" is not directly saying something bad about someone, rather it is hinting that there might be bad things that could be said.
      – Michael Kay
      Aug 24 at 23:04

















    up vote
    9
    down vote













    In my opinion, you can both use stance and position.



    Instead of infringement (which should be without infringing in your sentence, by the way) I'd use offending.




    How do I explain my stance without offending his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




    (Native German Speaker)






    share|improve this answer





























      up vote
      8
      down vote













      It's not entirely clear what you mean by bad—it can be taken in many different ways. It could be an insult, a criticism, a social faux pas, and so on.



      But I can think of a general word to use that would cover almost all meanings of bad:




      How do I explain my stance without upsetting his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




      You can be upset in any number of ways—from mild displeasure or annoyance all the way to insult and anger.




      As for stance, I would say that it means viewpoint or belief here. (It could be equated with one sense of position, but that word has other senses that don't make it quite as relevant.)



      Stance is perfectly understandable in this sentence.






      share|improve this answer




















      • I don't think "upsetting" is quite the meaning the OP wanted to convey. Saying bad things about someone is "disparaging" them; upsetting them is a possible consequence of disparaging them, but it's not the same thing.
        – Michael Kay
        Aug 24 at 23:08










      • @MichaelKay But how do you know what the question intended to convey? It's not clear. You can upset someone because you've called them a name—or because you've spilled a secret. Both of those things are bad things to say in a particular context. Don't say that. That would not be good. It would be bad. The original question didn't defined bad in any way at all. So, any meaning that we ascribe to it is simply an assumption.
        – Jason Bassford
        Aug 24 at 23:42


















      up vote
      6
      down vote













      You may be thinking of impugning, it has an archaic meaning "to assault with words".






      share|improve this answer
















      • 3




        I think this is a good suggestion. Your answer could use a little more explanation though. How would "impugning" fit into the example sentence? What is the modern meaning?
        – ColleenV
        Aug 24 at 17:10

















      up vote
      3
      down vote













      Try diplomatic (adjective) or diplomatically (adverb).




      diplomatic



      1. Exhibiting diplomacy; exercising tact or courtesy; using discussion to avoid hard feelings, fights or arguments.



      Used like this:




      How do I explain my stance diplomatically?







      share|improve this answer




















      • Isn't it a bit too formal for a family issue?
        – Tasneem Zh
        Aug 24 at 20:15






      • 1




        One does not need to be a diplomat to be diplomatic. Indeed, I have heard it used among people's friends or family.
        – Dr Sheldon
        Aug 25 at 0:11

















      up vote
      1
      down vote













      I'd say that you want to do it "without badmouthing his family".



      Here's a definition of the verb "badmouth":




      to say bad things about (someone or something) : to criticize (someone or something)
      MW




      The word is slightly informal and can be either written as a single word or hyphenated ("bad-mouth").






      share|improve this answer




















        Your Answer








        StackExchange.ready(function()
        var channelOptions =
        tags: "".split(" "),
        id: "481"
        ;
        initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

        StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function()
        // Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
        if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled)
        StackExchange.using("snippets", function()
        createEditor();
        );

        else
        createEditor();

        );

        function createEditor()
        StackExchange.prepareEditor(
        heartbeatType: 'answer',
        autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
        convertImagesToLinks: false,
        noModals: true,
        showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
        reputationToPostImages: null,
        bindNavPrevention: true,
        postfix: "",
        imageUploader:
        brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
        contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
        allowUrls: true
        ,
        noCode: true, onDemand: true,
        discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
        ,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
        );



        );













        draft saved

        draft discarded


















        StackExchange.ready(
        function ()
        StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fell.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f177224%2fwhat-is-the-word-that-means-not-saying-anything-bad-in-any-way-about-someone%23new-answer', 'question_page');

        );

        Post as a guest















        Required, but never shown

























        8 Answers
        8






        active

        oldest

        votes








        8 Answers
        8






        active

        oldest

        votes









        active

        oldest

        votes






        active

        oldest

        votes








        up vote
        11
        down vote



        accepted










        Because your question asks for a term that means the opposite of "infringing" or "disparaging", the word I would recommend is "tact."




        tact



        a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense



        The peace talks required great tact on the part of both leaders.




        The word "tact" is often used in the form of an adjective ("tactful") or an adverb ("tactfully"). One might also say that something must be said "with tact." The sentence you provided could then become:




        How do I explain my stance with tact, so that I do not offend his family or put myself in an awkward position with him?







        share|improve this answer




















        • The reconstruction of my sentence that you made with the words tact and offend is perfect. That's why I chose this answer as the best one.
          – Tasneem Zh
          Aug 24 at 15:50














        up vote
        11
        down vote



        accepted










        Because your question asks for a term that means the opposite of "infringing" or "disparaging", the word I would recommend is "tact."




        tact



        a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense



        The peace talks required great tact on the part of both leaders.




        The word "tact" is often used in the form of an adjective ("tactful") or an adverb ("tactfully"). One might also say that something must be said "with tact." The sentence you provided could then become:




        How do I explain my stance with tact, so that I do not offend his family or put myself in an awkward position with him?







        share|improve this answer




















        • The reconstruction of my sentence that you made with the words tact and offend is perfect. That's why I chose this answer as the best one.
          – Tasneem Zh
          Aug 24 at 15:50












        up vote
        11
        down vote



        accepted







        up vote
        11
        down vote



        accepted






        Because your question asks for a term that means the opposite of "infringing" or "disparaging", the word I would recommend is "tact."




        tact



        a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense



        The peace talks required great tact on the part of both leaders.




        The word "tact" is often used in the form of an adjective ("tactful") or an adverb ("tactfully"). One might also say that something must be said "with tact." The sentence you provided could then become:




        How do I explain my stance with tact, so that I do not offend his family or put myself in an awkward position with him?







        share|improve this answer












        Because your question asks for a term that means the opposite of "infringing" or "disparaging", the word I would recommend is "tact."




        tact



        a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense



        The peace talks required great tact on the part of both leaders.




        The word "tact" is often used in the form of an adjective ("tactful") or an adverb ("tactfully"). One might also say that something must be said "with tact." The sentence you provided could then become:




        How do I explain my stance with tact, so that I do not offend his family or put myself in an awkward position with him?








        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Aug 24 at 13:29









        tuespetre

        54428




        54428











        • The reconstruction of my sentence that you made with the words tact and offend is perfect. That's why I chose this answer as the best one.
          – Tasneem Zh
          Aug 24 at 15:50
















        • The reconstruction of my sentence that you made with the words tact and offend is perfect. That's why I chose this answer as the best one.
          – Tasneem Zh
          Aug 24 at 15:50















        The reconstruction of my sentence that you made with the words tact and offend is perfect. That's why I chose this answer as the best one.
        – Tasneem Zh
        Aug 24 at 15:50




        The reconstruction of my sentence that you made with the words tact and offend is perfect. That's why I chose this answer as the best one.
        – Tasneem Zh
        Aug 24 at 15:50












        up vote
        13
        down vote













        It should be infringing and it’s not clear to me what it could mean in this example. Your usage of stance seems correct here.



        You could consider disparaging:




        disparage

        transitive verb

        If you disparage someone or something, you speak about them in a way which shows that you do not have a good opinion of them.

        [formal]
        ...Larkin's tendency to disparage literature.

        (Collins Dictionary)







        share|improve this answer
























          up vote
          13
          down vote













          It should be infringing and it’s not clear to me what it could mean in this example. Your usage of stance seems correct here.



          You could consider disparaging:




          disparage

          transitive verb

          If you disparage someone or something, you speak about them in a way which shows that you do not have a good opinion of them.

          [formal]
          ...Larkin's tendency to disparage literature.

          (Collins Dictionary)







          share|improve this answer






















            up vote
            13
            down vote










            up vote
            13
            down vote









            It should be infringing and it’s not clear to me what it could mean in this example. Your usage of stance seems correct here.



            You could consider disparaging:




            disparage

            transitive verb

            If you disparage someone or something, you speak about them in a way which shows that you do not have a good opinion of them.

            [formal]
            ...Larkin's tendency to disparage literature.

            (Collins Dictionary)







            share|improve this answer












            It should be infringing and it’s not clear to me what it could mean in this example. Your usage of stance seems correct here.



            You could consider disparaging:




            disparage

            transitive verb

            If you disparage someone or something, you speak about them in a way which shows that you do not have a good opinion of them.

            [formal]
            ...Larkin's tendency to disparage literature.

            (Collins Dictionary)








            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Aug 24 at 7:50









            Em.

            37.8k10110126




            37.8k10110126




















                up vote
                10
                down vote













                If the context is that you're trying not to say something bad about the family, you could possibly use casting apsersions?




                cast aspersions

                to say harsh critical things about someone or someone's character
                [formal]
                ...He tried to discuss his political opponents respectfully, without casting aspersions.

                (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)




                So in your case, that would be




                How do I explain my stance without casting aspersions on his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?







                share|improve this answer




















                • If I write that expression in my story, would the native English readers understand it? Or should I clarify what cast aspersions means because it is rare as I last checked?
                  – Tasneem Zh
                  Aug 24 at 13:21







                • 2




                  it might be rare but it isn't obsolete, do not be afraid of expanding your or others vocabulary, with good words. if we only ever use words 100% of our audience understand we will end up writing peter and jane stories, as nobody will ever learn any new words. (mylearningkid.net/product/…)
                  – WendyG
                  Aug 24 at 13:56






                • 1




                  I went with the Merriam-Webster definition as I wasn't sure how common the usage is elsewhere, but in Ireland and the UK it wouldn't be that rare.
                  – Mick O'Hea
                  Aug 24 at 15:04






                • 2




                  Cast aspersions is very good here. It is very used across all varieties of English. It is not rare. It is an idiomatic expression.
                  – Lambie
                  Aug 24 at 20:22











                • I think "disparaging" is closer to the meaning the OP wants to convey. To my mind "casting aspersions" is not directly saying something bad about someone, rather it is hinting that there might be bad things that could be said.
                  – Michael Kay
                  Aug 24 at 23:04














                up vote
                10
                down vote













                If the context is that you're trying not to say something bad about the family, you could possibly use casting apsersions?




                cast aspersions

                to say harsh critical things about someone or someone's character
                [formal]
                ...He tried to discuss his political opponents respectfully, without casting aspersions.

                (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)




                So in your case, that would be




                How do I explain my stance without casting aspersions on his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?







                share|improve this answer




















                • If I write that expression in my story, would the native English readers understand it? Or should I clarify what cast aspersions means because it is rare as I last checked?
                  – Tasneem Zh
                  Aug 24 at 13:21







                • 2




                  it might be rare but it isn't obsolete, do not be afraid of expanding your or others vocabulary, with good words. if we only ever use words 100% of our audience understand we will end up writing peter and jane stories, as nobody will ever learn any new words. (mylearningkid.net/product/…)
                  – WendyG
                  Aug 24 at 13:56






                • 1




                  I went with the Merriam-Webster definition as I wasn't sure how common the usage is elsewhere, but in Ireland and the UK it wouldn't be that rare.
                  – Mick O'Hea
                  Aug 24 at 15:04






                • 2




                  Cast aspersions is very good here. It is very used across all varieties of English. It is not rare. It is an idiomatic expression.
                  – Lambie
                  Aug 24 at 20:22











                • I think "disparaging" is closer to the meaning the OP wants to convey. To my mind "casting aspersions" is not directly saying something bad about someone, rather it is hinting that there might be bad things that could be said.
                  – Michael Kay
                  Aug 24 at 23:04












                up vote
                10
                down vote










                up vote
                10
                down vote









                If the context is that you're trying not to say something bad about the family, you could possibly use casting apsersions?




                cast aspersions

                to say harsh critical things about someone or someone's character
                [formal]
                ...He tried to discuss his political opponents respectfully, without casting aspersions.

                (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)




                So in your case, that would be




                How do I explain my stance without casting aspersions on his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?







                share|improve this answer












                If the context is that you're trying not to say something bad about the family, you could possibly use casting apsersions?




                cast aspersions

                to say harsh critical things about someone or someone's character
                [formal]
                ...He tried to discuss his political opponents respectfully, without casting aspersions.

                (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)




                So in your case, that would be




                How do I explain my stance without casting aspersions on his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?








                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered Aug 24 at 12:25









                Mick O'Hea

                20114




                20114











                • If I write that expression in my story, would the native English readers understand it? Or should I clarify what cast aspersions means because it is rare as I last checked?
                  – Tasneem Zh
                  Aug 24 at 13:21







                • 2




                  it might be rare but it isn't obsolete, do not be afraid of expanding your or others vocabulary, with good words. if we only ever use words 100% of our audience understand we will end up writing peter and jane stories, as nobody will ever learn any new words. (mylearningkid.net/product/…)
                  – WendyG
                  Aug 24 at 13:56






                • 1




                  I went with the Merriam-Webster definition as I wasn't sure how common the usage is elsewhere, but in Ireland and the UK it wouldn't be that rare.
                  – Mick O'Hea
                  Aug 24 at 15:04






                • 2




                  Cast aspersions is very good here. It is very used across all varieties of English. It is not rare. It is an idiomatic expression.
                  – Lambie
                  Aug 24 at 20:22











                • I think "disparaging" is closer to the meaning the OP wants to convey. To my mind "casting aspersions" is not directly saying something bad about someone, rather it is hinting that there might be bad things that could be said.
                  – Michael Kay
                  Aug 24 at 23:04
















                • If I write that expression in my story, would the native English readers understand it? Or should I clarify what cast aspersions means because it is rare as I last checked?
                  – Tasneem Zh
                  Aug 24 at 13:21







                • 2




                  it might be rare but it isn't obsolete, do not be afraid of expanding your or others vocabulary, with good words. if we only ever use words 100% of our audience understand we will end up writing peter and jane stories, as nobody will ever learn any new words. (mylearningkid.net/product/…)
                  – WendyG
                  Aug 24 at 13:56






                • 1




                  I went with the Merriam-Webster definition as I wasn't sure how common the usage is elsewhere, but in Ireland and the UK it wouldn't be that rare.
                  – Mick O'Hea
                  Aug 24 at 15:04






                • 2




                  Cast aspersions is very good here. It is very used across all varieties of English. It is not rare. It is an idiomatic expression.
                  – Lambie
                  Aug 24 at 20:22











                • I think "disparaging" is closer to the meaning the OP wants to convey. To my mind "casting aspersions" is not directly saying something bad about someone, rather it is hinting that there might be bad things that could be said.
                  – Michael Kay
                  Aug 24 at 23:04















                If I write that expression in my story, would the native English readers understand it? Or should I clarify what cast aspersions means because it is rare as I last checked?
                – Tasneem Zh
                Aug 24 at 13:21





                If I write that expression in my story, would the native English readers understand it? Or should I clarify what cast aspersions means because it is rare as I last checked?
                – Tasneem Zh
                Aug 24 at 13:21





                2




                2




                it might be rare but it isn't obsolete, do not be afraid of expanding your or others vocabulary, with good words. if we only ever use words 100% of our audience understand we will end up writing peter and jane stories, as nobody will ever learn any new words. (mylearningkid.net/product/…)
                – WendyG
                Aug 24 at 13:56




                it might be rare but it isn't obsolete, do not be afraid of expanding your or others vocabulary, with good words. if we only ever use words 100% of our audience understand we will end up writing peter and jane stories, as nobody will ever learn any new words. (mylearningkid.net/product/…)
                – WendyG
                Aug 24 at 13:56




                1




                1




                I went with the Merriam-Webster definition as I wasn't sure how common the usage is elsewhere, but in Ireland and the UK it wouldn't be that rare.
                – Mick O'Hea
                Aug 24 at 15:04




                I went with the Merriam-Webster definition as I wasn't sure how common the usage is elsewhere, but in Ireland and the UK it wouldn't be that rare.
                – Mick O'Hea
                Aug 24 at 15:04




                2




                2




                Cast aspersions is very good here. It is very used across all varieties of English. It is not rare. It is an idiomatic expression.
                – Lambie
                Aug 24 at 20:22





                Cast aspersions is very good here. It is very used across all varieties of English. It is not rare. It is an idiomatic expression.
                – Lambie
                Aug 24 at 20:22













                I think "disparaging" is closer to the meaning the OP wants to convey. To my mind "casting aspersions" is not directly saying something bad about someone, rather it is hinting that there might be bad things that could be said.
                – Michael Kay
                Aug 24 at 23:04




                I think "disparaging" is closer to the meaning the OP wants to convey. To my mind "casting aspersions" is not directly saying something bad about someone, rather it is hinting that there might be bad things that could be said.
                – Michael Kay
                Aug 24 at 23:04










                up vote
                9
                down vote













                In my opinion, you can both use stance and position.



                Instead of infringement (which should be without infringing in your sentence, by the way) I'd use offending.




                How do I explain my stance without offending his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




                (Native German Speaker)






                share|improve this answer


























                  up vote
                  9
                  down vote













                  In my opinion, you can both use stance and position.



                  Instead of infringement (which should be without infringing in your sentence, by the way) I'd use offending.




                  How do I explain my stance without offending his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




                  (Native German Speaker)






                  share|improve this answer
























                    up vote
                    9
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    9
                    down vote









                    In my opinion, you can both use stance and position.



                    Instead of infringement (which should be without infringing in your sentence, by the way) I'd use offending.




                    How do I explain my stance without offending his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




                    (Native German Speaker)






                    share|improve this answer














                    In my opinion, you can both use stance and position.



                    Instead of infringement (which should be without infringing in your sentence, by the way) I'd use offending.




                    How do I explain my stance without offending his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




                    (Native German Speaker)







                    share|improve this answer














                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer








                    edited Aug 24 at 7:54









                    J.R.

                    97.5k8126243




                    97.5k8126243










                    answered Aug 24 at 7:36









                    Bernhard

                    2174




                    2174




















                        up vote
                        8
                        down vote













                        It's not entirely clear what you mean by bad—it can be taken in many different ways. It could be an insult, a criticism, a social faux pas, and so on.



                        But I can think of a general word to use that would cover almost all meanings of bad:




                        How do I explain my stance without upsetting his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




                        You can be upset in any number of ways—from mild displeasure or annoyance all the way to insult and anger.




                        As for stance, I would say that it means viewpoint or belief here. (It could be equated with one sense of position, but that word has other senses that don't make it quite as relevant.)



                        Stance is perfectly understandable in this sentence.






                        share|improve this answer




















                        • I don't think "upsetting" is quite the meaning the OP wanted to convey. Saying bad things about someone is "disparaging" them; upsetting them is a possible consequence of disparaging them, but it's not the same thing.
                          – Michael Kay
                          Aug 24 at 23:08










                        • @MichaelKay But how do you know what the question intended to convey? It's not clear. You can upset someone because you've called them a name—or because you've spilled a secret. Both of those things are bad things to say in a particular context. Don't say that. That would not be good. It would be bad. The original question didn't defined bad in any way at all. So, any meaning that we ascribe to it is simply an assumption.
                          – Jason Bassford
                          Aug 24 at 23:42















                        up vote
                        8
                        down vote













                        It's not entirely clear what you mean by bad—it can be taken in many different ways. It could be an insult, a criticism, a social faux pas, and so on.



                        But I can think of a general word to use that would cover almost all meanings of bad:




                        How do I explain my stance without upsetting his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




                        You can be upset in any number of ways—from mild displeasure or annoyance all the way to insult and anger.




                        As for stance, I would say that it means viewpoint or belief here. (It could be equated with one sense of position, but that word has other senses that don't make it quite as relevant.)



                        Stance is perfectly understandable in this sentence.






                        share|improve this answer




















                        • I don't think "upsetting" is quite the meaning the OP wanted to convey. Saying bad things about someone is "disparaging" them; upsetting them is a possible consequence of disparaging them, but it's not the same thing.
                          – Michael Kay
                          Aug 24 at 23:08










                        • @MichaelKay But how do you know what the question intended to convey? It's not clear. You can upset someone because you've called them a name—or because you've spilled a secret. Both of those things are bad things to say in a particular context. Don't say that. That would not be good. It would be bad. The original question didn't defined bad in any way at all. So, any meaning that we ascribe to it is simply an assumption.
                          – Jason Bassford
                          Aug 24 at 23:42













                        up vote
                        8
                        down vote










                        up vote
                        8
                        down vote









                        It's not entirely clear what you mean by bad—it can be taken in many different ways. It could be an insult, a criticism, a social faux pas, and so on.



                        But I can think of a general word to use that would cover almost all meanings of bad:




                        How do I explain my stance without upsetting his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




                        You can be upset in any number of ways—from mild displeasure or annoyance all the way to insult and anger.




                        As for stance, I would say that it means viewpoint or belief here. (It could be equated with one sense of position, but that word has other senses that don't make it quite as relevant.)



                        Stance is perfectly understandable in this sentence.






                        share|improve this answer












                        It's not entirely clear what you mean by bad—it can be taken in many different ways. It could be an insult, a criticism, a social faux pas, and so on.



                        But I can think of a general word to use that would cover almost all meanings of bad:




                        How do I explain my stance without upsetting his family and without putting myself in an awkward position in front of him?




                        You can be upset in any number of ways—from mild displeasure or annoyance all the way to insult and anger.




                        As for stance, I would say that it means viewpoint or belief here. (It could be equated with one sense of position, but that word has other senses that don't make it quite as relevant.)



                        Stance is perfectly understandable in this sentence.







                        share|improve this answer












                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer










                        answered Aug 24 at 7:47









                        Jason Bassford

                        11.9k22032




                        11.9k22032











                        • I don't think "upsetting" is quite the meaning the OP wanted to convey. Saying bad things about someone is "disparaging" them; upsetting them is a possible consequence of disparaging them, but it's not the same thing.
                          – Michael Kay
                          Aug 24 at 23:08










                        • @MichaelKay But how do you know what the question intended to convey? It's not clear. You can upset someone because you've called them a name—or because you've spilled a secret. Both of those things are bad things to say in a particular context. Don't say that. That would not be good. It would be bad. The original question didn't defined bad in any way at all. So, any meaning that we ascribe to it is simply an assumption.
                          – Jason Bassford
                          Aug 24 at 23:42

















                        • I don't think "upsetting" is quite the meaning the OP wanted to convey. Saying bad things about someone is "disparaging" them; upsetting them is a possible consequence of disparaging them, but it's not the same thing.
                          – Michael Kay
                          Aug 24 at 23:08










                        • @MichaelKay But how do you know what the question intended to convey? It's not clear. You can upset someone because you've called them a name—or because you've spilled a secret. Both of those things are bad things to say in a particular context. Don't say that. That would not be good. It would be bad. The original question didn't defined bad in any way at all. So, any meaning that we ascribe to it is simply an assumption.
                          – Jason Bassford
                          Aug 24 at 23:42
















                        I don't think "upsetting" is quite the meaning the OP wanted to convey. Saying bad things about someone is "disparaging" them; upsetting them is a possible consequence of disparaging them, but it's not the same thing.
                        – Michael Kay
                        Aug 24 at 23:08




                        I don't think "upsetting" is quite the meaning the OP wanted to convey. Saying bad things about someone is "disparaging" them; upsetting them is a possible consequence of disparaging them, but it's not the same thing.
                        – Michael Kay
                        Aug 24 at 23:08












                        @MichaelKay But how do you know what the question intended to convey? It's not clear. You can upset someone because you've called them a name—or because you've spilled a secret. Both of those things are bad things to say in a particular context. Don't say that. That would not be good. It would be bad. The original question didn't defined bad in any way at all. So, any meaning that we ascribe to it is simply an assumption.
                        – Jason Bassford
                        Aug 24 at 23:42





                        @MichaelKay But how do you know what the question intended to convey? It's not clear. You can upset someone because you've called them a name—or because you've spilled a secret. Both of those things are bad things to say in a particular context. Don't say that. That would not be good. It would be bad. The original question didn't defined bad in any way at all. So, any meaning that we ascribe to it is simply an assumption.
                        – Jason Bassford
                        Aug 24 at 23:42











                        up vote
                        6
                        down vote













                        You may be thinking of impugning, it has an archaic meaning "to assault with words".






                        share|improve this answer
















                        • 3




                          I think this is a good suggestion. Your answer could use a little more explanation though. How would "impugning" fit into the example sentence? What is the modern meaning?
                          – ColleenV
                          Aug 24 at 17:10














                        up vote
                        6
                        down vote













                        You may be thinking of impugning, it has an archaic meaning "to assault with words".






                        share|improve this answer
















                        • 3




                          I think this is a good suggestion. Your answer could use a little more explanation though. How would "impugning" fit into the example sentence? What is the modern meaning?
                          – ColleenV
                          Aug 24 at 17:10












                        up vote
                        6
                        down vote










                        up vote
                        6
                        down vote









                        You may be thinking of impugning, it has an archaic meaning "to assault with words".






                        share|improve this answer












                        You may be thinking of impugning, it has an archaic meaning "to assault with words".







                        share|improve this answer












                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer










                        answered Aug 24 at 14:59









                        nobdy

                        611




                        611







                        • 3




                          I think this is a good suggestion. Your answer could use a little more explanation though. How would "impugning" fit into the example sentence? What is the modern meaning?
                          – ColleenV
                          Aug 24 at 17:10












                        • 3




                          I think this is a good suggestion. Your answer could use a little more explanation though. How would "impugning" fit into the example sentence? What is the modern meaning?
                          – ColleenV
                          Aug 24 at 17:10







                        3




                        3




                        I think this is a good suggestion. Your answer could use a little more explanation though. How would "impugning" fit into the example sentence? What is the modern meaning?
                        – ColleenV
                        Aug 24 at 17:10




                        I think this is a good suggestion. Your answer could use a little more explanation though. How would "impugning" fit into the example sentence? What is the modern meaning?
                        – ColleenV
                        Aug 24 at 17:10










                        up vote
                        3
                        down vote













                        Try diplomatic (adjective) or diplomatically (adverb).




                        diplomatic



                        1. Exhibiting diplomacy; exercising tact or courtesy; using discussion to avoid hard feelings, fights or arguments.



                        Used like this:




                        How do I explain my stance diplomatically?







                        share|improve this answer




















                        • Isn't it a bit too formal for a family issue?
                          – Tasneem Zh
                          Aug 24 at 20:15






                        • 1




                          One does not need to be a diplomat to be diplomatic. Indeed, I have heard it used among people's friends or family.
                          – Dr Sheldon
                          Aug 25 at 0:11














                        up vote
                        3
                        down vote













                        Try diplomatic (adjective) or diplomatically (adverb).




                        diplomatic



                        1. Exhibiting diplomacy; exercising tact or courtesy; using discussion to avoid hard feelings, fights or arguments.



                        Used like this:




                        How do I explain my stance diplomatically?







                        share|improve this answer




















                        • Isn't it a bit too formal for a family issue?
                          – Tasneem Zh
                          Aug 24 at 20:15






                        • 1




                          One does not need to be a diplomat to be diplomatic. Indeed, I have heard it used among people's friends or family.
                          – Dr Sheldon
                          Aug 25 at 0:11












                        up vote
                        3
                        down vote










                        up vote
                        3
                        down vote









                        Try diplomatic (adjective) or diplomatically (adverb).




                        diplomatic



                        1. Exhibiting diplomacy; exercising tact or courtesy; using discussion to avoid hard feelings, fights or arguments.



                        Used like this:




                        How do I explain my stance diplomatically?







                        share|improve this answer












                        Try diplomatic (adjective) or diplomatically (adverb).




                        diplomatic



                        1. Exhibiting diplomacy; exercising tact or courtesy; using discussion to avoid hard feelings, fights or arguments.



                        Used like this:




                        How do I explain my stance diplomatically?








                        share|improve this answer












                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer










                        answered Aug 24 at 20:12









                        Dr Sheldon

                        1314




                        1314











                        • Isn't it a bit too formal for a family issue?
                          – Tasneem Zh
                          Aug 24 at 20:15






                        • 1




                          One does not need to be a diplomat to be diplomatic. Indeed, I have heard it used among people's friends or family.
                          – Dr Sheldon
                          Aug 25 at 0:11
















                        • Isn't it a bit too formal for a family issue?
                          – Tasneem Zh
                          Aug 24 at 20:15






                        • 1




                          One does not need to be a diplomat to be diplomatic. Indeed, I have heard it used among people's friends or family.
                          – Dr Sheldon
                          Aug 25 at 0:11















                        Isn't it a bit too formal for a family issue?
                        – Tasneem Zh
                        Aug 24 at 20:15




                        Isn't it a bit too formal for a family issue?
                        – Tasneem Zh
                        Aug 24 at 20:15




                        1




                        1




                        One does not need to be a diplomat to be diplomatic. Indeed, I have heard it used among people's friends or family.
                        – Dr Sheldon
                        Aug 25 at 0:11




                        One does not need to be a diplomat to be diplomatic. Indeed, I have heard it used among people's friends or family.
                        – Dr Sheldon
                        Aug 25 at 0:11










                        up vote
                        1
                        down vote













                        I'd say that you want to do it "without badmouthing his family".



                        Here's a definition of the verb "badmouth":




                        to say bad things about (someone or something) : to criticize (someone or something)
                        MW




                        The word is slightly informal and can be either written as a single word or hyphenated ("bad-mouth").






                        share|improve this answer
























                          up vote
                          1
                          down vote













                          I'd say that you want to do it "without badmouthing his family".



                          Here's a definition of the verb "badmouth":




                          to say bad things about (someone or something) : to criticize (someone or something)
                          MW




                          The word is slightly informal and can be either written as a single word or hyphenated ("bad-mouth").






                          share|improve this answer






















                            up vote
                            1
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            1
                            down vote









                            I'd say that you want to do it "without badmouthing his family".



                            Here's a definition of the verb "badmouth":




                            to say bad things about (someone or something) : to criticize (someone or something)
                            MW




                            The word is slightly informal and can be either written as a single word or hyphenated ("bad-mouth").






                            share|improve this answer












                            I'd say that you want to do it "without badmouthing his family".



                            Here's a definition of the verb "badmouth":




                            to say bad things about (someone or something) : to criticize (someone or something)
                            MW




                            The word is slightly informal and can be either written as a single word or hyphenated ("bad-mouth").







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Aug 25 at 22:27









                            Laurel

                            4,65811127




                            4,65811127



























                                draft saved

                                draft discarded
















































                                Thanks for contributing an answer to English Language Learners Stack Exchange!


                                • Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!

                                But avoid


                                • Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.

                                • Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.

                                To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.





                                Some of your past answers have not been well-received, and you're in danger of being blocked from answering.


                                Please pay close attention to the following guidance:


                                • Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!

                                But avoid


                                • Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.

                                • Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.

                                To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.




                                draft saved


                                draft discarded














                                StackExchange.ready(
                                function ()
                                StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fell.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f177224%2fwhat-is-the-word-that-means-not-saying-anything-bad-in-any-way-about-someone%23new-answer', 'question_page');

                                );

                                Post as a guest















                                Required, but never shown





















































                                Required, but never shown














                                Required, but never shown












                                Required, but never shown







                                Required, but never shown

































                                Required, but never shown














                                Required, but never shown












                                Required, but never shown







                                Required, but never shown







                                Popular posts from this blog

                                𛂒𛀶,𛀽𛀑𛂀𛃧𛂓𛀙𛃆𛃑𛃷𛂟𛁡𛀢𛀟𛁤𛂽𛁕𛁪𛂟𛂯,𛁞𛂧𛀴𛁄𛁠𛁼𛂿𛀤 𛂘,𛁺𛂾𛃭𛃭𛃵𛀺,𛂣𛃍𛂖𛃶 𛀸𛃀𛂖𛁶𛁏𛁚 𛂢𛂞 𛁰𛂆𛀔,𛁸𛀽𛁓𛃋𛂇𛃧𛀧𛃣𛂐𛃇,𛂂𛃻𛃲𛁬𛃞𛀧𛃃𛀅 𛂭𛁠𛁡𛃇𛀷𛃓𛁥,𛁙𛁘𛁞𛃸𛁸𛃣𛁜,𛂛,𛃿,𛁯𛂘𛂌𛃛𛁱𛃌𛂈𛂇 𛁊𛃲,𛀕𛃴𛀜 𛀶𛂆𛀶𛃟𛂉𛀣,𛂐𛁞𛁾 𛁷𛂑𛁳𛂯𛀬𛃅,𛃶𛁼

                                Crossroads (UK TV series)

                                ữḛḳṊẴ ẋ,Ẩṙ,ỹḛẪẠứụỿṞṦ,Ṉẍừ,ứ Ị,Ḵ,ṏ ṇỪḎḰṰọửḊ ṾḨḮữẑỶṑỗḮṣṉẃ Ữẩụ,ṓ,ḹẕḪḫỞṿḭ ỒṱṨẁṋṜ ḅẈ ṉ ứṀḱṑỒḵ,ḏ,ḊḖỹẊ Ẻḷổ,ṥ ẔḲẪụḣể Ṱ ḭỏựẶ Ồ Ṩ,ẂḿṡḾồ ỗṗṡịṞẤḵṽẃ ṸḒẄẘ,ủẞẵṦṟầṓế