disparage

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "disparage" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is a verb that means to express a low opinion of someone or something, usually in a disrespectful way. For example: The professor disparaged the student's research paper as inadequate and poorly researched.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'Equality' is a contested concept: "People who praise it or disparage it disagree about what they are praising or disparaging" (Dworkin 2000, p. 2).

SEP

The planned walkout is the result of a multi-year effort by big labor to diminish and disparage these hard-working Americans by attacking the companies they work for.

The Guardian

And I am sad at the readiness of people to disparage the work of Ed Miliband.

The Guardian

It's easy to disparage our native birds when compared with the gorgeous strutting colour bombs that adorn other nations: the Guatemalan quetzal or Papua New Guinea's bird of paradise, for example.

The Guardian - Travel

I love Motton and Frayn's writing but I think they are wrong to disparage the work of Reiss, Baker, Donnelly, Andrews and hundreds of others when the work these writers have made has felt so alive and alert.

The Guardian

He points to the contents of the Protection Against Harassment Act, as well as the Public Order Act, as evidence that "It is not only unacceptable for someone to disparage, insult and offend someone in this way, but it can be against the law".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not only is it strange for a liberal leader to disparage choice: the trouble is that the system often fails to provide that good local school.

The Guardian

The Heartland Institute has become more visible, and the George Marshall Institute a bit less, but the overall picture continues: these groups continue to dismiss or disparage the science, attack scientists, and sow doubt.

The Guardian

To people who disparage German and praise the Latin-based languages as more creative, easier to learn and more likely to be useful, I simply reply: ah yes, but how many words of 30 letters or more do they have?

The Guardian

Let us not disparage the police unjustly.

The Guardian

This is not to disparage her.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "belittle" or "denigrate" to add nuance to your writing, depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "disparage" excessively in formal or professional writing where a more neutral or objective tone is preferred. Consider using more diplomatic language to critique or evaluate.

Linguistic Context

The verb "disparage" functions primarily to express a negative judgment or opinion that aims to diminish the worth or reputation of someone or something. Ludwig's examples show it's used when actively devaluing a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disparage" is a verb used to express a negative opinion aimed at diminishing the value or reputation of something. Ludwig AI validates its correct and common usage. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in formal and scientific writing. Alternatives like "belittle" or "denigrate" can be used to add nuance. While grammatically correct, avoid overuse in contexts requiring a more neutral tone. Remember, "disparage" carries a strong negative connotation, implying a low opinion and intent to devalue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Belittle

Focuses on making someone or something seem small or unimportant.

Denigrate

Emphasizes the act of criticizing unfairly or unjustly.

Degrade

Highlights the lowering of someone's status or value.

Deprecate

Stresses disapproval or a lack of appreciation.

Underrate

Implies failing to recognize the true value or importance of something.

Discredit

Centers on damaging someone's reputation or making them seem untrustworthy.

Trivialize

Focuses on making something seem less important than it actually is.

Minimize

Stresses reducing the apparent significance of something.

Mock

Emphasizes ridicule or making fun of something.

Run down

Suggests criticizing someone or something in a dismissive way.

FAQs

How to use "disparage" in a sentence?

You can use "disparage" to express a negative opinion that diminishes the value or reputation of something. For example, "The critic disparaged the movie for its poor acting and predictable plot."

What can I say instead of "disparage"?

You can use alternatives like "belittle", "denigrate", or "underrate", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

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

"Disparage" implies a more disrespectful and belittling form of criticism, while "criticize" is a more general term for expressing disapproval or finding fault.

Is it always negative to "disparage" something?

Yes, "disparage" always carries a negative connotation, suggesting a low opinion and a desire to diminish the subject's value or reputation. The meaning stays negative when used as a verb.