denigrate
denigrate
Pronunciation
/ˈden.ɪ.ɡreɪt/
den: /den/
/d/ as in "dog"
/e/ as in "bed"
/n/ as in "no"
i: /ɪ/
/ɪ/ as in "bit"
grate: /ɡreɪt/
/ɡ/ as in "go"
/r/ as in "run"
/eɪ/ as in "face"
/t/ as in "top"
Word Form Variations
denigrate: (verb) - to criticize unfairly or falsely; to speak damagingly of; to disparage. This is the base form.
denigrates: (verb, 3rd person singular present) - He/She/It denigrates.
denigrated: (verb, past tense/past participle) - He/She/It denigrated. Also used as an adjective (e.g., "a denigrated reputation").
denigrating: (verb, present participle) - He/She/It is denigrating. Also used as an adjective (e.g., "denigrating remarks").
denigration: (noun) - The action of denigrating someone or something; disparagement.
denigrator: (noun) - A person who denigrates someone or something.
denigratory: (adjective) - Expressing or implying denigration.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb:
denigrate (v.): To unjustly or falsely attack the reputation or character of someone or something; to speak ill of; to disparage.
Synonyms: belittle, disparage, defame, slander, malign, vilify, traduce, asperse, decry, derogate
Antonyms: praise, commend, extol, laud, honor, respect, admire, appreciate
Noun:
denigration (n.): The act of denigrating; unjust or false criticism; disparagement.
Synonyms: defamation, slander, vilification, aspersion, derogation, belittlement, disparagement, traducement
Antonyms: praise, commendation, acclaim, adulation, honor, respect, admiration, appreciation
denigrator (n.): A person who denigrates; one who unfairly or falsely criticizes or disparages.
Synonyms: slanderer, vilifier, defamer, asperser, critic, disparager, belittler, traducer
Antonyms: praiser, commender, laudator, admirer, supporter, advocate
Adjective:
denigrating (adj.): Tending to denigrate; expressing or implying denigration.
Synonyms: defamatory, slanderous, vilifying, derogatory, disparaging, belittling, pejorative, deprecatory
Antonyms: complimentary, laudatory, praising, commendatory, respectful, admiring, appreciative
denigrated (adj.): Having been denigrated; having one's reputation or character unjustly or falsely attacked.
Synonyms: defamed, slandered, vilified, disparaged, belittled, traduced, blackened, tarnished
Antonyms: praised, commended, honored, respected, admired, esteemed
denigratory (adj.): Expressing or containing denigration; tending to denigrate.
Synonyms: defamatory, slanderous, vilifying, derogatory, disparaging, belittling, pejorative, deprecatory
Antonyms: complimentary, laudatory, praising, commendatory, respectful, admiring, appreciative
Examples of Use
Verb (denigrate):
"The politician accused his opponent of trying to denigrate his record on education." (Hypothetical example, reflecting common political discourse)
"Critics denigrated the film for its unrealistic portrayal of historical events." (Hypothetical example, reflecting film review context)
"Some bloggers denigrated the celebrity's new fashion line, calling it 'tacky and overpriced.'" (Hypothetical example, reflecting online commentary)
"In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne explores how society can denigrate individuals who deviate from societal norms." (Example referencing a literary work - The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne)
Noun (denigration):
"The campaign was marred by personal attacks and denigration of the candidates' families." (Hypothetical example, reflecting political discourse)
"The denigration of traditional art forms by some contemporary artists sparked a heated debate." (Hypothetical example, reflecting art criticism)
"Online, the victim faced constant denigration and harassment, leading to severe emotional distress." (Hypothetical example, reflecting online abuse)
Noun (denigrator):
"The denigrators of the new policy failed to offer any constructive alternatives." (Hypothetical example, reflecting policy debate)
"He was known as a harsh critic and a frequent denigrator of his colleagues' work." (Hypothetical example, reflecting workplace dynamics)
Adjective (denigrating/denigrated/denigratory):
"The article contained several denigrating remarks about the author's personal life." (Hypothetical example, reflecting journalistic integrity)
"The denigrated statue was finally restored to its former glory." (Hypothetical example, reflecting art restoration)
"The website published a series of denigratory articles aimed at discrediting the organization." (Hypothetical example, reflecting online journalism/opinion pieces)
10 Famous Quotes Using Denigrate
“Do not denigrate what you do not understand; curiosity is wiser than contempt.” (Unknown)
“Leaders who denigrate others reveal more about their own insecurity than anyone else’s worth.” (Unknown)
“My mentor taught me never to denigrate the small beginnings that shape great futures.” (Unknown)
“To denigrate another’s struggle is to confess your distance from compassion.” (Unknown)
“History warns that societies crumble when they denigrate truth-tellers.” (Unknown)
“Critics may denigrate your efforts, but only you decide your momentum.” (Unknown)
“A wise friend told me: if you must critique, refine—do not denigrate.” (Unknown)
“Those who denigrate progress often fear what it demands of them.” (Unknown)
“Do not denigrate your own potential; doubt is the first enemy.” (Unknown)
“The poet wrote that love falters when partners denigrate each other’s dreams.” (Unknown)
Etymology
"Denigrate" comes from Latin. Think of it like this:
de-: This prefix means "down" or "away from."
niger: This is the Latin word for "black."
So, literally, "denigrate" is like "to make black" or "to blacken." But, of course, we're not talking about physically coloring something black. Instead, "black" is used metaphorically to represent dirt, dishonor, or a bad reputation. So, to denigrate someone is to make their reputation "black," to tarnish it, to make it seem bad.
The first known use of "denigrate" in English was sometime in the 16th century. Back then, it carried the same core meaning it does today: to criticize someone unfairly and make them seem bad. It's always had this negative connotation of unjust or malicious criticism.
So, in essence, "denigrate" has kept its original meaning derived from its Latin roots. It means to attack someone's character or reputation, making it seem "blackened" or tarnished.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Denigrate
Phrases (not idioms, but common usages):
Denigrate someone's reputation: This is a very common collocation, clearly expressing the target of the denigration.
Denigrate someone's achievements: This highlights the specific thing being unfairly criticized.
Denigrate a culture/belief: This extends the concept to larger groups or ideas.
Denigrate through misinformation: This points to the method used in the denigration.
Why idioms with "denigrate" are rare:
Idioms tend to be built around simpler, more common verbs. "Denigrate" is a more sophisticated word, and idioms often Idioms capturing the idea of denigration (using synonyms or related concepts):
To drag someone's name through the mud: This idiom vividly portrays the act of damaging someone's reputation.
To badmouth someone: A more informal way of saying to speak ill of someone.
To throw dirt on someone's name: Similar to "drag someone's name through the mud."
To assassinate someone's character: A more extreme version, suggesting a deliberate and devastating attack on reputation.
To speak ill of the dead: This idiom highlights the particularly reprehensible nature of denigrating someone who can't defend themselves.
To give someone a tongue-lashing: While not precisely denigration, this implies harsh verbal criticism, which can be a tool of denigration.
To take a swipe at someone: To make a quick, often unfair, criticism.
Original phrases/attempts at idioms (playing with the idea):
"Don't denigrate my daisy!" (A playful, though unlikely, idiom, using "daisy" as a stand-in for something valued.)
"To denigrate someone with a whisper": This phrase highlights the insidious nature of some denigration.
"The denigration game": This suggests a context of unfair competition or backstabbing.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of denigrate from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
