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Definition of derogatory
1 : detracting from the character or standing of something —often used with to, towards, or of … abstained from saying a word derogatory to his new friend's religion … — Anthony Trollope
2 : expressive of a low opinion : disparaging derogatory remarks a derogatory term
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Examples of derogatory in a Sentence
The aroma of wine made from Concord … grapes is often described as “foxy,” a wine term as derogatory as it is vague. —Danny May et al., Berkshire Home Style, March 2007
In Powell's memoir, Lemann points out, terms like “expert” and “academic” are clearly derogatory. —Franklin Foer, New Republic, 5 Feb. 2001
Unfortunately, the codes were badly explained and ham-handedly enforced. At Michigan an interpretive guide called “What Students Should Know … ” went beyond the scope of the actual code in saying that even a derogatory comment … would be punished by the university. —Laurence R. Stains, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 1993
fans made a steady stream of derogatory remarks about the players on the visiting team
Recent Examples of derogatory from the Web
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The nude images have since been deleted, although a number of derogatory posts are still up on Kardashian’s Instagram account.
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Typically, 92 percent of people with liens and judgments have other derogatory information in records that raise red flags, according to FICO.
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Masharaki's complaint claims that Hill, the network's former programming president whose exit was announced at the same time as hers, subjected her to derogatory comments and intimidation.
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Shafiq Qureshi, public prosecutor in Bahawalpur, about 300 miles south of provincial capital Lahore, said Raza was convicted for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad, his wives and companions.
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According to court documents filed in the Johnson County case, Purinton allegedly made derogatory comments to the Indian men before they were shot.
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Shortly after, a cellphone video obtained by KOIN-TV showed a man believed to be Christian yelling derogatory statements about the driver of the train and threatening to stab someone.
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Shortly after, a cellphone video obtained by KOIN-TV showed a man believed to be Christian yelling derogatory statements about the driver of the train and threatening to stab someone.
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Shortly after, a cellphone video obtained by KOIN-TV showed a man believed to be Christian yelling derogatory statements about the driver of the train and threatening to stab someone.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'derogatory'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What is a derogatory Credit Report?
When derogatory first began to be used in English it had the meaning “detracting from the character or standing of something.” It comes from the verb derogate, which can be traced to the Latin word derogare (“to detract” or “to annul (a law)”). Derogatory quickly took on the additional meaning “disdainful, disparaging,” as may be seen in the word’s frequent use in “derogatory comment.” Derogatory is increasingly seen today in credit reports, although it should not be taken as a credit card company making unkind comments on the character of the cardholder. In this context it refers to something (such as a late payment, foreclosure, or bankruptcy) that will have a negative effect on a person’s credit score.
Origin and Etymology of derogatory
see derogate
DEROGATORY Defined for English Language Learners
derogatory
playDefinition of derogatory for English Language Learners
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: expressing a low opinion of someone or something : showing a lack of respect for someone or something
DEROGATORY Defined for Kids
derogatory
playDefinition of derogatory for Students
: expressing a low opinion of a person or thing a derogatory remark
Learn More about derogatory
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See words that rhyme with derogatory Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for derogatory Spanish Central: Translation of derogatory Nglish: Translation of derogatory for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of derogatory for Arabic speakers
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