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Meaning & use

disparaging

adjective·Academicdisapproving

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UK/dɪˈspærɪdʒɪŋ/
US/dɪˈspærɪdʒɪŋ/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meaning

  1. adjectivecomparableformal

    Treating someone or something as having little value, by speaking about them in a scornful, belittling way.

    Grammar: Usually comes before a noun like remark, or after be: his tone was disparaging.

    Patterns

    • disparaging about someone
    • a disparaging remark about something
    • disparaging of someone

    She made a disparaging remark about his cooking, and he went quiet.

    The critic was openly disparaging about the new stadium design.

    He is often disparaging of people who have not been to college.

Word forms

comparativemore disparaging
superlativemost disparaging

Common combinations

disparaging remark
A single disparaging remark can ruin a team's mood.
disparaging comment
He regretted his disparaging comment as soon as he said it.
disparaging tone
There was a disparaging tone in her voice whenever she mentioned her rivals.
disparaging about
The coach was disparaging about the other team's chances.
openly disparaging
The review was openly disparaging, and the author took it hard.

Synonyms and how they differ

derogatory
Derogatory is often stronger and can describe words meant to insult a whole group, while disparaging suggests running something down.
belittling
Belittling focuses on making the target feel small, whereas disparaging focuses on the negative opinion being voiced.
scornful
Scornful describes the feeling of contempt itself, while disparaging describes the act of speaking in a way that shows it.
dismissive
Dismissive means brushing something aside as unimportant, which is milder than actively criticizing it.

Opposites

complimentaryflatteringadmiring

Word family

disparage verb
to speak about someone as if they are of little worth
disparagement noun
the act of belittling someone or something
disparagingly adverb
in a belittling way

Commonly confused: disparaging or disparate?

disparaging vs disparate

Disparate means very different from each other and has nothing to do with criticism, even though it looks similar.

Practice

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