Disparage - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To disparage means to speak about someone or something in a negative or belittling way, often to lower their reputation or value. It implies criticism or disrespect.
Definition:
To belittle or speak disrespectfully about someone or something.
Synonyms:
belittle, denigrate, disparagement, depreciate
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
praise, commend, admire
Common Collocations:
disparage someone's efforts, disparage a reputation, disparage openly
Derivatives:
disparaging, disparager, disparagingly
Usage Tips:
Use "disparage" to describe negative remarks that undermine someone’s worth or achievements.
Common Phrases:
speak ill of, run down, badmouth
Etymology:
From Old French "desparagier," meaning to degrade or marry unequally; Latin roots "dis-" (apart) + "par" (equal).
Examples:
- 1. She didn’t mean to disparage his work, but her comments were hurtful.
- 2. Politicians often disparage their opponents during debates.
- 3. It’s unprofessional to disparage colleagues in public.
- 4. He tends to disparage modern art without understanding it.