Disparage
Criticism can build; this verb is for when someone lowers a person or idea to make themselves feel taller.
Learn This WordMeaning
To speak of or treat as unimportant or unworthy; to belittle.
Memory trick
DIS-PARAGE: treat someone as below your "par" (rank), put them down.
Examples
She refused to disparage her former colleagues in the interview.
Don’t disparage small wins, they compound.
The article unfairly disparaged the study without engaging its methods.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Old French desparagier "to marry unequally, degrade," from des- "away" + parage "rank."
Usage Notes
Strong negative verb; common in formal writing and debates about fairness.
Real-life contexts
Set norms: "We can critique ideas without disparaging people."
Use in feedback: "That comment disparaged her contribution."
Use in writing: "Avoid disparaging whole groups with stereotypes."
Common Mistakes
Disparage is about belittling worth or importance, not merely disagreeing.
Master This Word
Add "disparage" to your vocabulary and practice with AI & smart flashcards!
Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
verb
Difficulty
advancedMonthly Searches
~35,000
Related Words
Deferential
Showing respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, or wishes of another.
Obsequious
Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree; fawning and flattering.
Integrity
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; the state of being whole and undivided.