First Known Use: circa 1503
Dictionary
derogatory
adjective de·rog·a·to·ry \di-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ē\
: expressing a low opinion of someone or something : showing a lack of respect for someone or something
Full Definition of DEROGATORY
1
: detracting from the character or standing of something —often used with to, towards, or of
2
: expressive of a low opinion : disparaging <derogatory remarks>
— de·rog·a·to·ri·ly \-ˌrä-gə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē\ adverb
See derogatory defined for English-language learners
See derogatory defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of DEROGATORY
- The aroma of wine made from Concord … grapes is often described as “foxy,” a wine term as derogatory as it is vague. —Danny May et al., Berkshire Home Style, March 2007
- In Powell's memoir, Lemann points out, terms like “expert” and “academic” are clearly derogatory. —Franklin Foer, New Republic, 5 Feb. 2001
- Unfortunately, the codes were badly explained and ham-handedly enforced. At Michigan an interpretive guide called “What Students Should Know…” went beyond the scope of the actual code in saying that even a derogatory comment … would be punished by the university. —Laurence R. Stains, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 1993
- [+]more
Origin of DEROGATORY
(see derogate)
Related to DEROGATORY
Rhymes with DEROGATORY
accusatory, admonitory, adulatory, a fortiori, aleatory, ambulatory, amendatory, applicatory, approbatory, celebratory, circulatory, combinatory, commendatory, compensatory, conciliatory, condemnatory, confirmatory, confiscatory, conservatory, consolatory, contributory, copulatory, cosignatory, declamatory, declaratory, dedicatory, defamatory, denigratory, depilatory, depository, designatory, dispensatory, divinatory, escalatory, excitatory, exclamatory, exculpatory, excusatory, exhibitory, exhortatory, expiatory, expiratory, explanatory, explicatory, exploratory, expository, expurgatory, incubatory, indicatory, inflammatory, informatory, innovatory, inspiratory, inundatory, invitatory, judicatory, masticatory, masturbatory, memento mori, millefiori, obfuscatory, obligatory, observatory, performatory, persecutory, predicatory, premonitory, prohibitory, reformatory, regulatory, repository, retributory, revelatory, respiratory, salutatory, stipulatory, supplicatory, transmigratory, undulatory
DEROGATORY Defined for Kids
derogatory
adjective de·rog·a·to·ry \di-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ē\
Definition of DEROGATORY for Kids
: expressing a low opinion of a person or thing <a derogatory remark>
Learn More About DEROGATORY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: derogatory clausePrevious Word in the Dictionary: derogatorinessAll Words Near: derogatory
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up derogatory? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).