Main Entry: dis·par·age

Pronunciation: \di-ˈsper-ij, -ˈspa-rij\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): dis·par·aged; dis·par·ag·ing

Etymology: Middle English, to degrade by marriage below one's class, disparage, from Anglo-French desparager to marry below one's class, from des- dis- + parage equality, lineage, from per peer

Date: 14th century

1 : to lower in rank or reputation : degrade
2 : to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison) : speak slightingly about

synonyms see decry

— dis·par·age·ment \-ij-mənt\ noun

— dis·par·ag·er noun

— dis·par·ag·ing adjective

— dis·par·ag·ing·ly \-ij-iŋ-lē\ adverb