pejorative

[ pi-jawr-uh-tiv, -jor- ]

adjective

1. having a disparaging, derogatory, or belittling meaning or effect:

   The -ling in princeling is a pejorative suffix.

   Synonyms: deprecatory

noun

1. a form or word that is disparaging, derogatory, or belittling, such as bean counter for an accountant, or the -nik in peacenik.

pejorative

/ pɪˈdʒɒrətɪv; ˈpiːdʒər- /

adjective

1. (of words, expressions, etc) having an unpleasant or disparaging connotation

noun

1. a pejorative word, expression, etc

Derived Forms

• peˈjoratively, adverb

Other Words From

• pe·jo·ra·tive·ly adverb
• non·pe·jo·ra·tive adjective
• non·pe·jo·ra·tive·ly adverb
• un·pe·jo·ra·tive adjective
• un·pe·jo·ra·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pejorative¹

First recorded in 1880–85; from Latin pējōrāt(us) “made worse” ( pejoration ) + -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of pejorative¹

C19: from French péjoratif, from Late Latin pējōrātus, past participle of pējōrāre to make worse, from Latin pēior worse

Example Sentences

In the 1980s, the term “McJob” entered the pop culture lexicon as a pejorative.

From Los Angeles Times

After leaving the presidency, Trump has used "Palestinian" as a pejorative for weak victim and called on Israel to "finish the job" in Gaza.

From Salon

Some may try to use “coconut” in its racist form, or try to turn “Brat” into a pejorative, but it’s too late.

From Los Angeles Times

Olshansky, who specializes in demographics and gerontology, warned that while many people see the term "disabled" as neutral, there is still a risk of it being unintentionally pejorative and stigmatizing.

From Salon

The man, who has not been identified, mutters a pejorative term for a gay man as he walks away.

From Los Angeles Times