Disparagement — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /di-ˈsper-ij/ dis·par·age

Meaning & Definition of Disparagement

Disparagement (verb)

  1. to speak slightingly about (someone or something), to belittle the importance or value of (someone or something)
  2. to lower (someone or something) in rank or reputation, degrade

Disparagement (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act of making a person or a thing seem little or unimportant

    "his predictable disparagement of the latest fashions among young people"

    similar: belittlement, denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, detraction, diminishment, put-down
    related: aspersion, backbiting, calumny, defamation, libel, slander, vilification, derision, mockery, ridicule, abuse, invective, vituperation, censure, condemnation, criticism, denouncement, denunciation, de-emphasis, minimization, soft-pedaling
    opposite: aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification
    near: acclaim, praise, approbation, approval, blessing, commendation, hype, puffery

Related Entry: Disparage (verb)

Disparage is a different word from Disparagement. The synonyms below are for disparage, not for disparagement.

  1. to express scornfully one's low opinion of

    "disparaged polo as a sport for the idle rich"

    similar: bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, decry, denigrate, deprecate, depreciate, derogate, diminish, dis (slang), discount, dismiss, kiss off, minimize, play down, poor-mouth, put down, run down, talk down, trash, trash-talk, vilipend, write off, dump on
    related: discommend, abuse, scold, disapprove (of), dislike, censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, reprobate, asperse, defame, malign, rip, slander, slur, traduce, vilify, discredit, disgrace
    opposite: acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol, glorify, laud, magnify, praise
    near: approve, countenance, endorse, favor, recommend, sanction, commend, compliment, eulogize

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Disparagement

The most common words with a similar meaning to Disparagement:

belittlement, denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, detraction, diminishment, put-down

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Disparagement

Words with the opposite meaning of Disparagement:

aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification

Related Words for Disparagement

aspersion, backbiting, calumny, defamation, libel, slander, vilification, derision, mockery, ridicule, abuse, invective, vituperation, censure, condemnation, criticism, denouncement, denunciation, de-emphasis, minimization, soft-pedaling

Near Antonyms of Disparagement

acclaim, praise, approbation, approval, blessing, commendation, hype, puffery

Word Forms of Disparagement

Inflections: disparaged, disparaging, disparages

Derived words: disparagement (noun), disparager (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Disparagement

Middle English disparagen "to degrade by marriage below one's class, defile (a woman)," borrowed from Anglo-French desparager (continental Old French desparagier), from des- dis- + parage "equality of rank, lineage, high birth," from per "equal, match, member of the hereditary nobility" + -age -age peer:1

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Disparagement

What does "Disparagement" mean?

"Disparagement" means to speak slightingly about (someone or something), to belittle the importance or value of (someone or something). As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to speak slightingly about (someone or something), to belittle the importance or value of (someone or something).

What is another word for "Disparagement"?

Other words for "Disparagement" include belittlement, denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, detraction, diminishment and put-down. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Disparagement" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Disparagement"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Disparagement". Common alternatives include belittlement, denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, detraction, diminishment and put-down.

What is the opposite of "Disparagement"?

Antonyms of "Disparagement" include aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification and magnification. Near antonyms include acclaim, praise, approbation and approval.

How do you use "Disparagement" in a sentence?

Examples of "Disparagement" in a sentence: "his predictable disparagement of the latest fashions among young people".

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

"Disparagement" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Disparagement"?

"Disparagement" is pronounced /di-ˈsper-ij/ and divided into syllables as dis·par·age.

What is the origin of the word "Disparagement"?

"Disparagement" comes from Middle English disparagen "to degrade by marriage below one's class, defile (a woman)," borrowed from Anglo-French desparager (continental Old French desparagier), from des- dis- + parage "equality of rank, lineage, high birth," from per "equal, match, member of the hereditary nobility" + -age -age peer:1. First known use: 14th century.