disparagement

Everyday

1. (formal) Disparagement is saying that someone or something is not good or not important, in an unkind or scornful way; putting it down. tree →
2. A disparagement is one remark like that. tree →

In the lessons

In lessons on language and argument it is the opposite of praise: «downplaying» someone's work or calling it worthless. In stories it shows a mean or proud character. Phrases: words of disparagement, without disparagement, disparagement of others.

Examples

• The rival team's coach spoke with disparagement about our players. tree →
• Her disparagement of his painting hurt his feelings. tree →
• The critic's review was full of disparagement. tree →
• «Only a little school play,» he said, with a hint of disparagement. tree →
• Good sports players avoid the disparagement of their opponents. tree →
• She ignored the disparagement and kept practising. tree →

Note

Formal word; everyday words are «putting down», «running down», «belittling». Verb: disparage (disparages, disparaged, disparaging); adjective: disparaging (a disparaging remark). Do not confuse with «disparity» (a big difference between things) or «despair» (losing all hope).