Meaning & use
derogatory comments
Last updated
Meanings
phraseplural
remarks that show a low opinion of someone or something and are likely to insult or offend them
Grammar: Always plural in this phrase; for one remark, say 'a derogatory comment'. Often followed by 'about' or 'toward'.
Patterns
- make derogatory comments about someone
- derogatory comments toward someone
- derogatory comments on something
He was suspended for making derogatory comments about his colleagues.
The article contained derogatory comments toward immigrants.
She ignored the derogatory comments and continued her presentation.
phraseplural
written or spoken statements that criticize something in a way that shows it is not respected
Grammar: Can refer to a pattern of remarks, not just one: a series of derogatory comments.
Patterns
- a series of derogatory comments
- derogatory comments about something
The report was full of derogatory comments about the company's management.
Online forums are often filled with derogatory comments about public figures.
Word forms
| singular | derogatory comment |
|---|
Common combinations
- make derogatory comments
- He made derogatory comments about her accent.
- derogatory comments about someone
- The newspaper printed derogatory comments about the mayor.
- derogatory comments toward a group
- Derogatory comments toward minority groups are not tolerated here.
- a stream of derogatory comments
- She faced a stream of derogatory comments after the interview.
Synonyms and how they differ
- insulting remarks
- Insulting remarks are directly rude to someone; derogatory comments can also express a low opinion more indirectly.
- disparaging remarks
- Disparaging remarks belittle someone; derogatory comments are similar but often more openly offensive.
- offensive comments
- Offensive comments cause offense; derogatory comments specifically show a lack of respect or low opinion.
Opposites
Word family
- derogatory adjective
- showing a low opinion; insulting
- derogatorily adverb
- in a way that shows a low opinion
- derogate verb
- to take away from; to lower in value or status (formal)
Commonly confused: derogatory comments or degrading?
derogatory comments vs degrading
Degrading means causing someone to feel humiliated or lose dignity; derogatory means expressing a low opinion. A degrading comment humiliates; a derogatory comment insults.
Practice
The manager was accused of making ______ comments about his female employees.
Choose one answer.
We need an adjective before 'comments', so 'derogatory' is correct. 'Derogate' is a verb, 'derogation' is a noun, and 'derogatorily' is an adverb, which cannot modify the noun 'comments'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “derogatory comments”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.