disparage
dis·par·age
verb \di-ˈsper-ij, -ˈspa-rij\dis·par·ageddis·par·ag·ing
Definition of DISPARAGE
transitive verb
1
: to lower in rank or reputation : degrade
2
: to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison) : speak slightingly about
— dis·par·age·ment \-ij-mənt\ noun
— dis·par·ag·er noun
— dis·par·ag·ing adjective
— dis·par·ag·ing·ly \-ij-iŋ-lē\ adverb
See Examples of DISPARAGE
- Voters don't like political advertisements in which opponents disparage one another.
- It's a mistake to disparage their achievements.
- The article disparaged polo as a game for the wealthy.
Origin of DISPARAGE
Middle English, to degrade by marriage below one's class, disparage, from Anglo-French desparager to marry below one's class, from des- dis- + parage equality, lineage, from per peer
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to DISPARAGE
Related Words: discommend; abuse, scold; disapprove (of), dislike; censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, reprobate; asperse, defame, malign, rip, slander, slur, traduce, vilify; discredit, disgrace
Near Antonyms: approve, countenance, endorse (also indorse), favor, recommend, sanction; commend, compliment, eulogize
See Synonym Discussion at decry
Rhymes with DISPARAGE
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