Definition of denigrate
denigrated
;denigrating
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Examples of denigrate in a Sentence
Her story denigrates him as a person and as a teacher.
No one is trying to denigrate the importance of a good education. We all know that it is crucial for success.
denigrating the talents and achievements of women
Recent Examples of denigrate from the Web
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Hate speech — bigoted or denigrating words directed at groups — is constitutionally protected.
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Warwick shouldn't denigrate himself for not being in the category of people like Bell, Lindbergh, or Kennedy.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'denigrate'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
If you "denigrate" someone, you attempt to blacken their reputation. It makes sense, therefore, that "denigrate" can be traced back to the Latin verb denigrare, meaning "to blacken." When "denigrate" was first used in English in the 16th century, it meant to cast aspersions on someone's character or reputation. Eventually, it developed a second sense of "to make black" ("factory smoke denigrated the sky"), but this sense is somewhat rare in modern usage. Nowadays, of course, "denigrate" can also refer to belittling the worth or importance of someone or something.
Origin and Etymology of denigrate
Latin denigratus, past participle of denigrare, from de- + nigrare to blacken, from nigr-, niger black
First Known Use: 1526
DENIGRATE Defined for English Language Learners
denigrate
playDefinition of denigrate for English Language Learners
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: to say very critical and often unfair things about (someone)
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: to make (something) seem less important or valuable
Learn More about denigrate
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See words that rhyme with denigrate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for denigrate Spanish Central: Translation of denigrate Nglish: Translation of denigrate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of denigrate for Arabic speakers
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