disparaging

[ dih-spar-i-jing ]

adjective

1. that disparages; tending to belittle or bring reproach upon:

   a disparaging remark.

Sensitive Note

In this dictionary, the label Disparaging indicates that a term or definition is used with a deliberate intent to disparage, as to belittle a particular ethnic, religious, or social group. It is often paired with the label Offensive, which describes a term that gives offense whether or not any offense was intended.

Other Words From

• dis·par·ag·ing·ly adverb
• non·dis·par·ag·ing adjective
• self-dis·par·ag·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disparaging¹

First recorded in 1635–45; disparag(e) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The name Washington Redskins is disparaging to Native Americans.

From The Daily Beast

This isn't disparaging to other comedy actresses, but there's a range of skill sets, and she's just a bad ass actor.

From The Daily Beast

ATOMIC ENERGY In 1938, Fortune magazine was disparaging about the future uses of atomic energy.

From The Daily Beast

And I find it hard to imagine that he would be disparaging of his customers if they happened to be gay.

From The Daily Beast

Unless the people now disparaging Keynes get their hands on them.

From The Daily Beast

Even to hear any one disparaging the appearance of Jess's son is to me a pain.

From Project Gutenberg

I have no disposition to say disparaging things about the garden of annuals.

From Project Gutenberg

But that's just the way with professing Christians; they are always disparaging the delights which they are unfitted to enjoy.

From Project Gutenberg

The fruit, of course, is that for which the tree is cultivated; but who would magnify the fruit by disparaging the sap?

From Project Gutenberg

This was an implication deregatory to the glory, and disparaging to the power of the Son of God.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• defamatory
• derogatory
• snide
• unfavorable