Nearby Words

derogatory

[dih-rog-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] Example Sentences Origin

de·rog·a·to·ry

[dih-rog-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]
adjective
tending to lessen the merit or reputation of a person or thing; disparaging; depreciatory: a derogatory remark.

Origin:
1495–1505; < Late Latin dērogātōrius cursing, equivalent to dērogā(re) (see derogate) + -tōrius -tory1

de·rog·a·to·ri·ly, adverb
de·rog·a·to·ri·ness, noun
non·de·rog·a·to·ri·ly, adverb
non·de·rog·a·to·ri·ly·ness, noun
non·de·rog·a·to·ry, adjective


belittling, uncomplimentary, denigrating.

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Derogatory is a GRE word you need to know.
So is cornucopia. Does it mean:
horn of plenty
consisting of dissimilar elements
Example Sentences
  • The use of the term "retarded" as derogatory is not a holdback from the 80s.
  • Please stop using a derogatory acronym that is offensive.
  • Occasionally, however, reporters themselves dig out derogatory information from public records.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
derogatory (dɪˈrɒɡətərɪ, -trɪ)
 
adj
tending or intended to detract, disparage, or belittle; intentionally offensive
 
de'rogatorily
 
adv
 
de'rogatoriness
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

derogatory
c.1500, from L. derogatorius, from derogare "detract from," also "repeal partly," from de- "away" + rogare "ask, question, propose" (see rogation).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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