Relating to or expressing criticism, censure, or disapproving comment; characterized by the act of turning one's attention to fault-finding.
From 'animadversion' (criticism or censure) plus '-al' suffix. Animadversion comes from Latin 'animadvertere' meaning 'to turn one's mind to' (anim- + advertere).
The Latin roots literally mean 'to turn your mind toward'—so an animadversal comment is you pointedly turning your mental attention toward someone's faults, a surprisingly physical image for criticism.
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