make irresponsible comments; alter text arbitrarily
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
to make irresponsible comments; to talk recklessly
formalDerived from the practice of using orpiment (雌黄) to correct writing errors; implies reckless alteration or criticism. Often used in academic or formal contexts to criticize unfounded statements.
Making irresponsible comments without investigation is an extremely irresponsible attitude.
Historical commentary must be based on evidence; one cannot make reckless comments.
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He didn't understand the situation at all, yet he made irresponsible remarks at the meeting.
verb
to alter text arbitrarily; to make reckless corrections
formalOriginally referred to the practice of using orpiment (a yellow pigment) to cover errors in writing. Now extended to mean making arbitrary changes to written works without proper authorization or basis.
Editors should not make arbitrary changes that alter the author's original intent.
This classic has been arbitrarily altered by later generations and has lost its original appearance.