derogatory of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "derogatory of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a statement or action that is offensive or insulting to someone or something. Example: His comments were highly derogatory of the LGBTQ+ community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

No belief could be more derogatory of men.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If your boss senses you are critical or derogatory of her, that relationship may be over," she says.

Harvard Business Review

Thus slang e.g., "sucker," "honkey," "shave-tail," "jerk"—expresses the attitudes, not always derogatory, of one group or class toward the values of another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The lawsuit itself succeeded in using a comment, ostensibly derogatory of Ruddie — though it didn't use Ruddie's last name — to get a whole RipOffReport.com post deindexed.

The Washington Post

Mr. Trump was no doubt highly pleased by his envoy, a former United Nations spokesman, Mitt Romney campaign aide and Fox News contributor, whose confirmation was long held up by congressional critics over his history of provocative tweets, including several derogatory of the appearance of prominent women.

The New York Times

When asked if he owed the Muslim community in Northern Ireland an apology, Mr Robinson said: "If I said anything that was derogatory, of course I would apologise.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It highlights a serious issue and the very issue we have come here to discuss today; a socially ingrained acceptance of derogatory portrayals of indigenous peoples".

Huffington Post

Would that run afoul of the statement's condemnation of the "inflammatory or derogatory use of culturally recognized symbols of hate, prejudice, or discrimination"?

Los Angeles Times

Is there a male equivalent of the derogatory use of words like 'blonde' or 'bimbo'?

Independent

The New American Heritage Dictionary acknowledges the derogatory nature of hundreds of terms.

Huffington Post

Such assertions are bandied about casually, becoming part of the ugly, derogatory patois of the chattering classes and one-time school chancellors turned edu-profiteers.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "derogatory of", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being disparaged. The phrase is most effective when the target of the negativity is explicit.

Common error

Avoid using "derogatory of" loosely. Ensure the subject truly demeans or belittles the object. Overuse can dilute its impact and lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "derogatory of" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun to describe something as expressing a low opinion or lack of respect. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase qualifies statements or actions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "derogatory of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that expresses a low opinion or a lack of respect. According to Ludwig, it's mostly found in news and media contexts, less frequently in encyclopedias and scientific publications. While considered correct, using related alternatives like "disrespectful of" or "contemptuous of" can sometimes provide greater precision. Remember to ensure clarity in your writing and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. The phrase is not suited to highly informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disrespectful of

Emphasizes a lack of regard or esteem.

insulting of

Directly implies an offensive or rude nature.

disparaging toward

Uses a different preposition to convey a similar meaning of belittling.

contemptuous of

Indicates a feeling of disdain or scorn towards someone or something.

prejudicial of

Focuses on the unfair or biased nature of the action or statement.

offensive to

Shifts the focus to the recipient of the offensive behavior.

humiliating of

Highlights the shaming or embarrassing effect of the action or statement.

malevolent of

Replaces "derogatory" with a stronger term implying ill will or evil intent.

critical of

Suggests a negative judgment or assessment.

evil of

Similar to "malevolent of", emphasizing wickedness or immorality.

FAQs

How can I use "derogatory of" in a sentence?

Use "derogatory of" to describe something that expresses a low opinion or shows a lack of respect. For example, "The statement was "derogatory of" his achievements".

What phrases are similar to "derogatory of"?

Similar phrases include "disrespectful of", "contemptuous of", or "offensive to". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be "derogatory of" something?

Yes, the term "derogatory" inherently implies a negative sentiment. It always indicates an expression of disrespect or a low opinion.

What's the difference between "derogatory of" and "critical of"?

"Critical of" suggests a negative evaluation, while "derogatory of" implies a demeaning or belittling attitude. "Critical of" can be constructive, whereas "derogatory of" is almost always intended to offend or diminish.