disparage

Everyday

(formal) To speak about someone or something in a way that shows you think they are not important or not good; to belittle. tree →

In the lessons

A formal exam word. In ethics and school life: disparaging others' work or background is unkind. In news: politicians may disparage opponents. It tells the reader that someone is putting others down. Phrases: «disparage someone's efforts», «not to disparage».

Examples

• Don't disparage your sister's drawing — she tried her best. tree →
• The critic disparaged the new film. tree →
• He disparaged his rival's ideas without listening to them. tree →
• It is wrong to disparage people because of where they come from. tree →
• Without wishing to disparage the cook, the soup was cold. tree →
• She never disparages other teams, even when they lose. tree →
• Among the spectators was a Countryman, who disparaged the Clown's performance and announced that he would give a much superior exhibition of the same trick on the following day. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Noun: «disparagement». Adjective: «disparaging». Formal; in speech say «put down», «run down», «belittle». Pronounced dis-PARR-ij.