- derogating another's achievements
- … a few instances of inaccuracy or mediocrity can never derogate from the superlative merit of Homer and Vergil …
- —Oliver Goldsmith
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
The title of the book derogates the people it is about.
Her parents are constantly derogating her achievements.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'derogate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
You're probably familiar with derogatory, the adjective meaning "expressing a low opinion," but you may not be as well-acquainted with the less common verb, derogate. Both words can be traced back to the Late Latin word derogatus, which is the past participle of the verb derogare, meaning "to detract" or "to annul (a law)." Derogare, in turn, derives from the Latin word for "ask," rogare. Derogate first appeared in English in the 15th century. Derogatory was adopted in the early 16th century, and has become much more popular than the verb. Other derogate relatives include derogative, derogation, and derogatorily.
bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, decry, denigrate, deprecate, depreciate, diminish, discount, dismiss, disparage, kiss off, minimize, play down, put down, run down, talk down, vilipend, write off;
censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, reprobate;
asperse, defame, malign, rip, slander, slur, traduce, vilify;
dump on;
: to insult (someone or something) : to say or suggest that (something or someone) is not important or worthy of respect
See words that rhyme with derogate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for derogate Britannica English: Translation of derogate for Arabic speakers
What made you want to look up derogate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZTest Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ