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

“To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms. Baum’s character.”

From Los Angeles Times

Im scraped together low-value land in a backwater known for its seedy motels and opened the theme park — a decision his friends disparaged.

From Los Angeles Times

The disparaging comment helped trigger Dickerson’s trade to the Indianapolis Colts.

From Los Angeles Times

He disparaged a colleague’s Black son as a prop carried like a Louis Vuitton handbag, suggested Black people have too much political power and made other demeaning remarks about activists and constituents.

From Los Angeles Times

I was raised by a sweet henpecked father, who would have said something disparaging about himself to get me to help him with his computer or read tiny print.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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