Meaning & use
derogatory
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivecomparabledisapproving
Showing a low opinion of someone or something; insulting or scornful.
Grammar: Gradable: more derogatory, most derogatory; usually describes words or remarks, not people.
Patterns
- a derogatory remark
- derogatory about someone
- derogatory to someone
He made a derogatory comment about her cooking.
The article used derogatory language to describe the group.
She was upset by his derogatory remarks.
Word forms
| comparative | more derogatory |
|---|---|
| superlative | most derogatory |
Common combinations
- derogatory remark
- He apologized for his derogatory remark.
- derogatory term
- That word is a derogatory term for people from that region.
- derogatory comment
- She ignored the derogatory comments online.
- derogatory about
- He was derogatory about my new haircut.
Synonyms and how they differ
- insulting
- Insulting is stronger and more direct; a derogatory remark may be subtly disrespectful rather than openly rude.
- disparaging
- Disparaging often suggests belittling someone's worth; derogatory is more about showing a low opinion in general.
Opposites
Word family
- derogate verb
- To detract from or lower the value of something; formal.
- derogation noun
- The act of belittling or (in law) weakening a rule.
Commonly confused: derogatory or derogatory vs. derogative?
derogatory vs derogatory vs. derogative
Derogative is a rare variant; use derogatory, which is the standard form.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'derogatory' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Derogatory describes remarks or words that show a low opinion. It does not mean 'tired' or 'bad weather', and it is not used for objects like gifts.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “derogatory”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.