disparaging remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disparaging remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a comment that belittles or criticizes someone or something in a derogatory manner. Example: "His disparaging remark about her presentation left her feeling disheartened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

David Willcocks at King's had stung Salter with a disparaging remark into taking his singing extremely seriously.

The Guardian - Music

He said it "wouldn't surprise me" if Rippon had forwarded the email to Mitchell "with some disparaging remark about me … Mitchell and Rippon are close".

The Guardian

But last year, Mr. Simmons criticized Mr. Obama, Democrat of Illinois, over the latter's comments comparing Don Imus's racially disparaging remark about the Rutgers University women's basketball team to rappers' lyrics.

The New York Times

NBC News dropped Don Imus yesterday, canceling his talk show on its MSNBC cable news channel a week after he made a racially disparaging remark about the Rutgers University women's basketball team.

The New York Times

But yesterday, the third day Mr. Imus spent asking for forgiveness for a racially disparaging remark about the Rutgers women's basketball team, he demonstrated that the brand he was having the hardest time selling was his own.

The New York Times

(AP) — A federal judge rejected a mistrial motion on Monday after dismissing a juror who supposedly made an ethnically disparaging remark during deliberations in a copyright infringement lawsuit that pits MGA Entertainment, maker of the popular Bratz dolls, against the toy giant Mattel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He makes disparaging remarks about her appearance.

The New Yorker

He made mildly disparaging remarks about city slickers.

The New Yorker

You make disparaging remarks about his dead parents.

The New York Times

One of the guests, who knows Vulpein, makes disparaging remarks about him, and a fight ensues.

The New Yorker

The sharpest exchange centred on disparaging remarks from the senator about Mr Trump hailing from New York.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disparaging remark" when you want to emphasize the demeaning or belittling nature of the comment, rather than simply stating it was negative.

Common error

While "disparaging remark" is widely understood, consider more nuanced alternatives like "critical assessment" or "unfavorable review" in formal or professional writing to maintain a balanced and objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disparaging remark" functions as a noun phrase, where "disparaging" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "remark". It identifies a specific type of comment that is critical or belittling, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disparaging remark" is a noun phrase used to describe a negative or critical comment, as validated by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound, it's essential to consider the context to ensure the appropriate level of formality. Alternatives like "derogatory comment" or "critical comment" may be more suitable in some situations. The usage patterns, particularly in news and media sources, indicate its relevance in describing speech acts. When writing, be aware of the potential for misinterpretation and choose synonyms accordingly. Frequency is uncommon, suggesting it is used selectively for specific effect. The use of this phrase often reveals an underlying intent to belittle or demean, a critical aspect to remember when interpreting or employing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

derogatory comment

Replaces "disparaging remark" with a single word that means expressing a low opinion or lack of respect.

negative comment

Uses a more general term to describe the remark, focusing on its unfavorable nature.

critical comment

Emphasizes the evaluative and potentially fault-finding nature of the remark.

unflattering comment

Highlights the remark's tendency to make the subject appear worse or less attractive.

pejorative statement

Replaces both words with synonyms. It indicates a more formal and often academic context.

offensive comment

Focuses on the remark's potential to cause hurt feelings or anger.

insulting remark

Highlights the remark's intention to be disrespectful or humiliating.

demeaning statement

Emphasizes the remark's effect of lowering someone's dignity or status.

slighting comment

Focuses on the remark's subtle but disrespectful nature.

belittling remark

Highlights the remark's intent to make someone or something seem unimportant.

FAQs

What's a good synonym for "disparaging remark"?

Alternatives to "disparaging remark" include "derogatory comment", "negative comment", or "critical comment", each varying slightly in emphasis.

Is "disparaging remark" too informal for academic writing?

While understandable, "disparaging remark" might be perceived as less formal. Consider alternatives such as "critical assessment" or "pejorative statement" for academic contexts to maintain objectivity.

How does a "disparaging remark" differ from an "insulting remark"?

A "disparaging remark" aims to belittle or demean, while an "insulting remark" /s/insulting+remark is directly intended to offend or cause emotional pain. The former is often more subtle but still negative.

What is the best way to respond to a "disparaging remark"?

Responding to a "disparaging remark" depends on the context. Options range from directly addressing the comment's inaccuracy or bias, to ignoring it if it's not worth engaging with, or seeking mediation in professional settings.