disparage (dɪˈspærɪdʒ
)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- to speak contemptuously of; belittle
- to damage the reputation of
Alternative Forms
disˈparagement noun disˈparager noun disˈparaging adjective disˈparagingly adverbWord Origin
C14: from Old French desparagier, from des- dis-C14: from Old French from 1 + equality, from Latin equal + parage equality, from Latin par equalSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
run down,
dismiss,
put down,
criticize,
underestimate,
discredit,
ridicule,
scorn,
minimize,
disdain,
undervalue,
deride,
slag (off)
knock,
blast,
flame,
rubbish,
malign,
detract from
denigrate,
belittle,
decry,
underrate,
vilify,
slander,
deprecate,
tear into,
diss,
defame,
bad-mouth,
lambast(e)
traduce,
derogate,
asperse,
Usage examples
`Mary, darling, why do you always disparage our calling?
, Death in Purple Prose (1987)Koppel may disparage "bad taste", but his boardroom bosses are more focused on the bottom line.
Outlook India (2005)IT takes a brave man to disparage the French or Sicilian defences of these young women while staring them in the eye.
Australian News Misc (2005)The abuse of the system by a few should not be used, intentionally or otherwise, to disparage the commitment of the majority.
Times, Sunday Times (2002)Being a decent man, he was careful never to disparage a close rival who was indeed mentally unbalanced.
, ONE MORE KILOMETRE AND WE'RE IN THE SHOWERS (2004)