disparage
UK: dɪˈspærɪdʒ | US: dɪˈspærɪdʒ
vt. to belittle or speak disrespectfully about someone or something
vt. to lower in rank or reputation
disparage = dis<apart, away> + par<equal> + age<noun suffix>
- dis-: Prefix meaning "apart" or "away," often implying negation or reversal (from Latin dis-).
- par: Root meaning "equal" (from Latin par, paris).
- -age: Noun-forming suffix indicating action or result (from Old French -age).
Etymology Origin:
The word "disparage" originates from Old French desparagier, meaning "to marry unequally" (literally "to remove from equality"). It combined des- (dis-) and parage (equality of rank). Over time, it evolved to mean "to degrade in rank" and later generalized to "belittle" or "discredit." The core logic lies in the idea of treating someone as unequal or inferior.
She refused to disparage her colleagues, even during disagreements.
Critics often disparage his work without understanding its depth.
The article unfairly disparaged the achievements of the research team.
He felt disparaged by the constant comparisons to his predecessor.
Avoid disparaging remarks to maintain a respectful workplace.