Derogatory — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /di-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ē/ de·rog·a·to·ry

Meaning & Definition of Derogatory

Derogatory (adjective)

  1. expressive of a low opinion, disparaging
  2. detracting from the character or standing of something —often used with to, towards, or of

Derogatory (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. intended to make a person or thing seem of little importance or value

    "fans made a steady stream of derogatory remarks about the players on the visiting team"

    similar: belittling, contemptuous, decrying, degrading, demeaning, denigrative, denigratory, deprecatory, depreciative, depreciatory, derisory, derogative, detractive, disdainful, disparaging, pejorative, scornful, slighting, uncomplimentary
    related: aspersing, calumnious, defamatory, insulting, libelous, maligning, slandering, slanderous, vilifying, abusive, opprobrious, scurrilous, catty, cruel, despiteful, hateful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, unkind, virulent, critical, denunciative, denunciatory, acrimonious, bitter, envious, jaundiced, jealous, rancorous, resentful, acrid, caustic, scathing, venomous
    opposite: commendatory, complimentary, laudative, laudatory
    near: admiring, adulatory, applauding, approving, friendly, positive, appreciative, respectful, kind, kindhearted, kindly, sympathetic, unmalicious, warm, warmhearted

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Derogatory

The most common words with a similar meaning to Derogatory:

belittling, contemptuous, decrying, degrading, demeaning, denigrative, denigratory, deprecatory, depreciative, depreciatory, derisory, derogative, detractive, disdainful, disparaging, pejorative, scornful, slighting, uncomplimentary

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Derogatory

Words with the opposite meaning of Derogatory:

commendatory, complimentary, laudative, laudatory

Related Words for Derogatory

aspersing, calumnious, defamatory, insulting, libelous, maligning, slandering, slanderous, vilifying, abusive, opprobrious, scurrilous, catty, cruel, despiteful, hateful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, unkind, virulent, critical, denunciative, denunciatory, acrimonious, bitter

Near Antonyms of Derogatory

admiring, adulatory, applauding, approving, friendly, positive, appreciative, respectful, kind, kindhearted, kindly, sympathetic, unmalicious, warm, warmhearted

Word Forms of Derogatory

Derived words: derogatorily (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Derogatory

First known use: circa 1503

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Derogatory

Frequently Asked Questions about Derogatory

What does "Derogatory" mean?

"Derogatory" means expressive of a low opinion, disparaging. As an adjective, it is defined as: expressive of a low opinion, disparaging.

What is another word for "Derogatory"?

Other words for "Derogatory" include belittling, contemptuous, decrying, degrading, demeaning, denigrative, denigratory and deprecatory. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Derogatory" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Derogatory"?

There are 58 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Derogatory". Common alternatives include belittling, contemptuous, decrying, degrading, demeaning, denigrative, denigratory, deprecatory, depreciative and depreciatory.

What is the opposite of "Derogatory"?

Antonyms of "Derogatory" include commendatory, complimentary, laudative and laudatory. Near antonyms include admiring, adulatory, applauding and approving.

How do you use "Derogatory" in a sentence?

Examples of "Derogatory" in a sentence: "fans made a steady stream of derogatory remarks about the players on the visiting team".

Is "Derogatory" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Derogatory" is an adjective.

Is "Derogatory" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Derogatory" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Derogatory"?

"Derogatory" is pronounced /di-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ē/ and divided into syllables as de·rog·a·to·ry.