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Definition of pejorative - 3 dictionary results

pe⋅jo⋅ra⋅tive

  [pi-jawr-uh-tiv, -jor-, pej-uh-rey-, pee-juh-]
Use pejorative in a Sentence
–adjective
1. having a disparaging, derogatory, or belittling effect or force: the pejorative affix -ling in princeling.
–noun
2. a pejorative form or word, as poetaster.
Origin:
1880–85; < L pējōrāt(us) (see pejoration ) + -ive

Related forms:
pe⋅jo⋅ra⋅tive⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. deprecatory.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pe·jor·a·tive   (pĭ-jôr'ə-tĭv, -jŏr'-, pěj'ə-rā'tĭv, pē'jə-)   
adj.  

  1. Tending to make or become worse.

  2. Disparaging; belittling.

n.  A disparaging or belittling word or expression.
pe·jor'a·tive·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

pejorative 
"depreciative, disparaging," 1882, from Fr. péjoratif (fem. péjorative), from L.L. pejoratus, pp. of pejorare "make worse," from L. pejor "worse," related to pessimus "worst," pessum "downward, to the ground." Eng. had pejorate "to worsen" from 1644.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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