denigrate

USAGE SUMMARY

"denigrate" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb meaning to speak badly about someone or something, to belittle them, or to criticize them harshly. Example sentence: The politician was criticized for denigrating his opponents in the debate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Malignant narcissists, though devoured by envy and rage, can still idealise powerful figures whose beliefs conveniently justify the destruction of those they denigrate, says Kernberg.

The Guardian

Readers and reporters alike are concerned that these are from those paid to troll, and to denigrate in abusive terms anyone criticising Russia or President Vladimir Putin.

The Guardian - Opinion

No one would denigrate the serious nature of the disorder that rocked a number of English cities in August.

The Guardian

"He disagreed with the decision to go to war in Iraq and he was right, but he never felt the need to denigrate those of us who got it wrong".

The Guardian

"I don't get on that well with Anderson, never had that much to do with Anderson," Morgan said, continuing: "It's not to denigrate Anderson who is a very, very good field reporter.

The Guardian

But the sight of Tibetans setting themselves on fire, and official attempts to denigrate them, are deepening the region's wounds.

The Economist

To his satisfaction, he was told that the prime minister would no longer denigrate him as a "terrorist".But if Mr Sharon and Mr Peres have agreed, at least for the time being, to stop trying to delegitimise Mr Arafat, and to maintain his credibility as a future negotiating partner, what hope is there of such negotiations taking place?

The Economist

They needed to distance John McCain from Mr Bush, to introduce Sarah Palin (Mr McCain's surprise vice-presidential pick) to voters and to denigrate Mr Obama.

The Economist

Suggestions that tens of thousands of Tamils were massacred in the process, and talk of war crimes, are dismissed as intended only to denigrate the country.

The Economist

William Haseltine, head of SB's genomics partner HGS (and thus in no position to denigrate the deal), argues that the merged firm might do well to split its scientists into small, autonomous research teams, get them to compete against each other and motivate them with a share of the value they create as happens at biotech companies.

The Economist

But the park's people remain careful not to denigrate the dashing general.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "denigrate" when you want to express criticism that aims to diminish the worth or reputation of something or someone. It's stronger than simply criticizing and implies an intent to degrade.

Common error

Avoid using "denigrate" when a milder form of criticism is more appropriate. "Denigrate" carries a strong negative connotation, so ensure it aligns with the severity of the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "denigrate" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what or whom is being subjected to belittling or disparagement. Ludwig AI confirms that "denigrate" is a valid verb used to criticize in a diminishing manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "denigrate" is a versatile verb employed to express strong disapproval through the act of diminishing the worth of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and practical usability. With a wide range of application, from reporting news to writing encyclopedias, it’s important to consider the term's intensity and choose it wisely in your writing. Alternatives like "disparage" or "belittle" may offer similar denotations but carry different connotations. To effectively use "denigrate", it's best to ensure that its negative connotation aligns with the severity of the situation described and the objective of the writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disparage

Focuses on representing something as being of little worth.

belittle

Emphasizes making something seem less important or significant.

defame

Highlights damaging the good reputation of someone through false statements.

slander

Specifically refers to making false and damaging spoken statements about someone.

calumniate

Stresses the making of false and malicious statements to damage someone's reputation.

smear

Implies damaging someone's reputation with scandalous allegations.

derogate

Means to detract from someone or something. Is more formal than "denigrate".

malign

Involves speaking harmful untruths about someone.

vilify

Suggests strongly criticizing or condemning someone.

discredit

Focuses on damaging the credibility or reputation of someone or something.

FAQs

How do I use "denigrate" in a sentence?

You can use "denigrate" to describe the act of criticizing someone or something in a way that diminishes their value or reputation. For instance, "The politician tried to "denigrate" his opponent's achievements during the debate."

What are some synonyms for "denigrate"?

Alternatives to "denigrate" include "disparage", "belittle", and "defame". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "denigrate" and "criticize"?

"Criticize" involves expressing disapproval, while "denigrate" implies a stronger action of actively diminishing the worth or reputation of something. "Denigrate" carries a more negative and intentional connotation.

What's the difference between "denigrate" and "disparage"?

While both words involve speaking negatively about something, "denigrate" often suggests a more direct and forceful attempt to undermine or degrade, whereas "disparage" can simply mean representing something as being of little worth.