disparage

Disparage is defined as to belittle or discredit someone or something.

(verb)

An example of disparage is telling a musician they don't know how to play their instrument.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See disparage in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb disparaged, disparaging

  1. to lower in esteem; discredit
  2. to speak slightingly of; show disrespect for; belittle

Origin: ME disparagen < OFr desparagier, to marry one of inferior rank < des- (see dis-) + parage, rank < per, peer

Related Forms:

See disparage in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb dis·par·aged, dis·par·ag·ing, dis·par·ag·es
  1. To speak of in a slighting or disrespectful way; belittle. See Synonyms at decry.
  2. To reduce in esteem or rank.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English disparagen, to degrade

Origin: , from Old French desparager

Origin: : des-, dis-

Origin: + parage, high birth (from per, peer; see peer2)

.

Related Forms:

  • dis·parˈage·ment noun
  • dis·parˈag·er noun
  • dis·parˈag·ing·ly adverb

Learn more about disparage

link/cite print suggestion box