disparage

[ dih-spar-ij ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·par·aged, dis·par·ag·ing.

1. to speak of or treat slightingly; depreciate; belittle:

   Do not disparage good manners.

   Synonyms: derogate, denounce, demean, mock, discredit, ridicule

2. to bring reproach or discredit upon; lower the estimation of:

   Your behavior will disparage the whole family.

disparage

/ dɪˈspærɪdʒ /

verb

1. to speak contemptuously of; belittle
2. to damage the reputation of

Derived Forms

• disˈparagement, noun
• disˈparaging, adjective
• disˈparagingly, adverb
• disˈparager, noun

Other Words From

• dis·parag·er noun
• undis·paraged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disparage¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French desparag(i)er “to match unequally,” from des- dis- ¹ + -parag(i)er, verb derivative of parage “equal rank,” also “high birth, noble descent” ( peerage )

Word History and Origins

Origin of disparage¹

C14: from Old French desparagier, from des- dis- ¹+ parage equality, from Latin par equal

Example Sentences

Both borders are patrolled by UN peacekeepers, missions that all parties disparage as weak and biased.

From The Daily Beast

You have to be sexy, but remember that your sexuality can and will be used at any point in time to disparage you.

From The Daily Beast

Whether or not the team “intends” to disparage anyone, they are.

From The Daily Beast

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

From The Daily Beast

They disparage his trip to a Navy shipbuilder as a “road show.”

From The Daily Beast

I say this in no way to disparage my dear old friend, but merely to present his work in true proportion.

From Project Gutenberg

Accordingly he is not sparing of invective against those who so disparage his race.

From Project Gutenberg

But I would not disparage the labors of Bacon in pointing out the method which leads to scientific discoveries.

From Project Gutenberg

I ask this, not to disparage the old-fashioned schools, but to call their attention to what the new are doing.

From Project Gutenberg

Some malcontents are about to disparage the whole business, and, in particular, the affair at Alexandria.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• belittle
• decry
• defame
• degrade
• denigrate
• deride
• discredit
• dismiss
• malign
• ridicule
• scorn
• slander
• underrate
• vilify