derogative

[ dih-rog-uh-tiv ]

adjective

1. lessening; belittling; derogatory.

Other Words From

• de·roga·tive·ly adverb
• nonde·roga·tive adjective
• nonde·roga·tive·ly adverb
• unde·roga·tive adjective
• unde·roga·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of derogative¹

1470–80; < Old French derogatif < Late Latin dērogātīvus. See derogate, -ive

Example Sentences

Ka is often a prefix of negation in compound words, which has the force of a derogative.

From Project Gutenberg

Subordinate spirits of evil, are denoted by using the derogative form of the word, in sh by which Moneto is rendered Monetosh.

From Project Gutenberg

They also admit of derogative and prepositional inflections.

From Project Gutenberg

The term Moowis is one of the most derogative and offensive possible.

From Project Gutenberg

His mention of Lillian made Aileen think of her in a faintly derogative way for a moment.

From Project Gutenberg