disparage
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to speak contemptuously of; belittle
-
to damage the reputation of
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of disparage
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” ( see peerage)
Explanation
If you haven't got anything nice to say, then it's time to disparage someone. It means to belittle or degrade a person or idea. Disparage is a specific way to describe a certain kind of insult, the kind that secures the insulter's place as superior. It often refers to an opinion or criticism lobbed in print or via word of mouth, not necessarily an act done to someone's face. If someone or something is being disparaged, you will often find a competing interest in the wings.
Vocabulary lists containing disparage
The Bill of Rights
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Grade 11, List 2
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All About That Baseless: Bad-Faith Accusations
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You cant fix society And its endless need to diminish, Disparage or degrade that which they know is good.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2019
Disparage the Three Stooges if you must, you cineaste.
From New York Times • Apr. 13, 2012
Disparage, dis-par′āj, v.t. to dishonour by comparison with what is inferior: to lower in rank or estimation: to talk slightingly of.—ns.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various
Disparage anything in yourself but your judgment, sir,' said Mrs. Sparsit, laughing.
From Hard Times by Dickens, Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
