disparage

[dih-spar-ij]

verb (used with object)

disparaged, disparaging 

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

Other Word Forms

• disparagingly adverb
• disparager noun
• disparaging adjective
• disparagement noun
• undisparaged 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

Today, this act of good government stewardship is disparaged, forgotten or ignored so Congress can stage low-brow comedy.

From Salon

“And even though we occasionally use disparaging terms like ‘chicken coop’ to describe them, once you actually step inside one of those apartments, they don’t feel like that at all,” Jung said.

From Los Angeles Times

The order also directed officials to ensure that monuments do not contain content that disparages Americans.

From Los Angeles Times

By the end of 1982, a new term had entered the local lexicon: “freeway troll,” a disparaging reference to the homeless men and women who live in “concrete caves” formed by freeway overpasses.

From Los Angeles Times

"As I passed someone," Evans told the BBC, "I heard someone say: 'Uncle Tom'" - a slur used to disparage a black person considered servile towards white people.

From BBC

Related Words

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