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

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

“Can you imagine you go to a city and say you want the votes of those people and disparage the city?”

From Los Angeles Times

Vance does not have a naturally pleasant personality but he discovered in that debate that if he didn't crudely disparage "childless cat ladies" or accuse Haitian immigrants of eating pets, he could lie flagrantly about the past and his plans for the future as long as he kept a smile on his face.

From Salon

“Liberal Zionist is a term that gets thrown around both by people who want to disparage that and who want to claim the title,” said Rabbi Jill Jacobs, head of T’ruah.

From Slate

Over the course of two or even three hours, López Obrador, 70, would tout his achievements, disparage his enemies and otherwise set the agenda for the day — as millions of Mexicans listened in at home.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the label "DEI hire" has gained popularity among the far-right, many on the left have harangued it as another dog whistle, a form of coded language with multiple meanings, that allows ultraconservative political actors to disparage powerful professionals of color.

From Salon

Related Words

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