First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
disparage
verb dis·par·age \di-ˈsper-ij, -ˈspa-rij\
: to describe (someone or something) as unimportant, weak, bad, etc.
dis·par·ageddis·par·ag·ing
Full 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
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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
Related to DISPARAGE
Synonym Discussion of DISPARAGE
decry, depreciate, disparage, belittle mean to express a low opinion of. decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit <decried their defeatist attitude>. depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed <critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental>. disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison <disparaged polo as a game for the rich>. belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude <belittled the achievements of others>.
Rhymes with DISPARAGE
DISPARAGE Defined for Kids
disparage
verb dis·par·age \di-ˈsper-ij\
dis·par·ageddis·par·ag·ing
Definition of DISPARAGE for Kids
: to speak of as unimportant or bad : belittle <He disparaged the other team.>
— dis·par·age·ment \-mənt\ noun
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