The Meaning of Disparaging: What It Is and How To Use It

Do you know the definition of disparaging? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word disparaging, including its definition, usage, word origin, example sentences, and more!

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What does the word disparaging mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language as well as other dictionaries like American Heritage and Collins English Dictionary, the word disparaging is an adjective that describes something that belittles the value or importance of someone or something, and as such carries rude connotations. This and to bring someone or something else down. The pronunciation of disparaging is dis-par-adj-ing. Disparaging remark is one of many remarks made with a deliberate intent to imply someone having a low opinion of someone else. This is often meant to cause offense, and will frequently have the label offensive. In a social group, making disparaging remarks to a peer or even opponents can make someone outcast.

There are numerous different languages that also contain words that mean disparaging. You may notice that many of these look similar to each other. This is likely because they share a common origin or root word. Often cognates, or words that have a similar spelling, sound, and meaning, are formed when words share an etymology. This list of translations for the word disparaging is provided by Word Sense

  •  Swedish: nedsättande‎
  •  Persian: توهین آمیز‎ (tohin amiz)
  •  Turkish: aşağlayıcı‎, hor gören‎, kötüleyici‎, küçümseyici‎
  •  Danish: nedsættende‎
  •  Bokmål: nedsettende‎
  •  German: abfällig‎, abschätzig‎, abwertend‎, geringschätzig‎, herabsetzend‎, verunglimpfend‎
  •  Russian: уничижи́тельный‎, пренебрежи́тельный‎
  •  Nynorsk: nedsetjande‎
  •  French: péjoratif‎
  •  Finnish: halveksiva‎, väheksyvä‎
  •  Portuguese: insultante‎

How can the word disparaging be used in a sentence?

There are many different ways disparaging can be used in sentences. Try to quiz yourself on the meaning of this word before using it in a sentence. Below are many examples of disparaging.

The ad used a quote that was very disparaging toward a wide variety of particular ethnic and religious groups, including Christians, Native Americans, and others. 

Some people find different sports team names disparaging, like the name Washington Redskins or the Rangers. 

He discovered that the students were making disparaging remarks about the teacher’s advanced age and the nutritional value of her lunches. There was a tinge of sexism in these remarks, and the principle used a booming voice to scare the students. 

The member of parliament from the Vietnamese government worked hard to not disparage any Tibetan cultural norms, particularly when referencing people of a lower socioeconomic status or high birth rate. 

Reynolds did not appreciate the phenomenon of his classmates encouraging the disparaging treatment of romantic novelists. His classmate Sutherland’s disparaging tone was incredibly rude. 

Even though the famous actor was disparaging toward the British food and lodgings, celebrity mania meant he had no consequence. 

The sarcastic man found a worthy adversary with whom to jab disparaging remarks back and forth with like scissors. Though they said the statements with fidelity, they were still very mean.

Captain Thorn Dougal, a police officer, was recorded saying disparaging things about the presiding judge. Many tended to advocate for his removal from the force, and the judge agreed. 

The kids said disparaging things about the new house because they did not want to move. They stomped up the stairs and said that they hated it. 

The disparaging article was very mean about the aesthetic value of the architect’s home. 

What is the origin of the word disparaging? 

According to Etymonline, the word disparaging has been used since the late 14th century in Middle English. This comes from the Anglo-French desparagier and Old French desparagier/Old french desparager, the Modern French déparager meaning to reduce in rank or degrade. This originally meant to marry someone of inferior rank, and thus bring dishonor to one’s family. This comes from the Latin prefix dis and parage meaning rank or lineage. This has been used since the late 14th century to mean to injure or dishonor by comparison. It has been used to mean belittling or undervaluing sinc the 1530s. Plated words include disparage, disparaged, disparagement, and disparagingly. 

What are synonyms and antonyms for disparaging?

There are many different words that one can use in place of the word disparaging. These are called synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same meaning as another word or phrase. Synonyms are useful to know if you are trying not to repeat the same word in a speech or essay, as well as if you are trying to expand your vocabulary. This list of synonyms for the word disparaging is provided by Thesaurus.

  •  unfavorable
  •  defamatory
  •  humiliating
  •  depreciative
  •  demeaning
  •  contumelious
  •  belittling
  •  vilifying
  •  derogative
  •  slanderous
  •  snide
  •  deprecatory
  •  spiteful
  •  censorious
  •  detractory
  •  damaging
  •  minimizing
  •  maligning
  •  despiteful
  •  malevolent
  •  depreciatory
  •  dishonoring
  •  injurious
  •  reproach
  •  scornful
  •  malicious
  •  critical
  •  degrading
  •  calumnious
  •  sarcastic
  •  slighting
  •  detracting
  •  epithetical
  •  fault-finding
  •  reproachful
  •  disdainful
  •  aspersing
  •  decrying
  •  opprobrious
  •  unflattering
  •  derogatory
  •  pejorative

There are also many different words that mean the opposite of the word disparaging. These opposite words are known as antonyms. Antonyms are also a quick, easy way to expand your vocabulary. This list of antonyms for the word disparaging is provided by Thesaurus

  •  encomiastic
  •  panegyrical
  •  adulatory
  •  approbative
  •  approving
  •  praiseful
  •  honoring
  •  fawning
  •  appreciative
  •  courtly
  •  with highest recommendation
  •  delights
  •  congratulatory
  •  highly favorable
  •  plauditory
  •  respectful
  •  sycophantic
  •  with high praise
  •  complimentary
  •  encomiastical
  •  flattering
  •  commendatory
  •  approbatory
  •  fair-spoken
  •  honeyed
  •  unctuous
  •  celebrating
  •  polite
  •  well-wishing
  •  laudatory
  •  eulogistic

Overall, the word disparaging is an adjective that can refer to derogatory remarks or anything with a rude connotation. Many different things can be disparaging, from disparaging accounts, to a disparaging look. This word has a Latin root. 

Sources:

  1. Disparaging | Meaning, Origin, Translations | Word Sense
  2. DISPARAGING Synonyms: 13 Synonyms & Antonyms for DISPARAGING | Thesaurus 
  3. disparage | Origin and meaning of disparage | Online Etymology Dictionary 
  4. COMPLIMENTARY Synonyms: 59 Synonyms & Antonyms for COMPLIMENTARY | Thesaurus 
  5. Disparaging | Definition of Disparaging | Merriam-Webster