pejorative
pejorative
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "pejorative" is /pɪˈdʒɔːr.ə.tɪv/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
pe: /pɪ/ - The "p" sound is a voiceless bilabial stop. The "i" is a short, high front vowel, like the "i" in "bit".
jo: /dʒɔːr/ - The "j" sound is a voiced palato-alveolar affricate. The "ɔː" is a long, open back vowel, like the "aw" in "law". The "r" is the alveolar approximant.
ra: /ə/ - This is a schwa, a central vowel sound, like the "a" in "about".
tive: /tɪv/ - The "t" is a voiceless alveolar stop. The "ɪ" is a short, high front vowel, like the "i" in "bit". The "v" sound is a voiced labiodental fricative.
Word Form Variations
"Pejorative" itself doesn't have typical singular/plural variations like a noun. It primarily functions as an adjective. However, we can look at related forms:
pejorative (adjective): This is the base form, used to describe something as expressing contempt or disapproval. Example: "His comment was pejorative."
pejoratively (adverb): This form modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating that something is done in a contemptuous or disapproving manner. Example: "He spoke pejoratively about their work."
pejorativeness (noun): This is the noun form, referring to the quality of being pejorative. Example: "The pejorativeness of her tone was clear."
There isn't a standard plural form of "pejorative" because it's not a countable noun. You wouldn't say "pejoratives." The related forms above cover the common variations.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective:
Definition: Expressing contempt or disapproval; tending to belittle or demean. Describes something that makes a person or thing seem less important or valuable.
Example: "His pejorative remarks about her artwork discouraged her."
Synonyms: Derogatory, disparaging, belittling, negative, critical, uncomplimentary, slighting, insulting, contemptuous.
Antonyms: Complimentary, laudatory, positive, approving, flattering, respectful, appreciative.
Adverb:
Definition: In a contemptuous or disapproving manner; in a way that belittles or demeans. Describes how something is done.
Example: "She spoke pejoratively about the new management policies."
Synonyms: Derogatorily, disparagingly, belittlingly, negatively, critically, uncomplimentarily, slightingly, insultingly, contemptuously.
Antonyms: Complimentarily, laudatorily, positively, approvingly, flatteringly, respectfully, appreciatively.
Noun:
Definition: The quality of being pejorative; a pejorative term or remark. While less common than the adjective, it can refer to the essence of being pejorative, or a specific instance.
Example: "The pejorativeness of his tone was undeniable." Or, "He made several pejoratives about their performance." (In this second usage, 'pejorative' functions almost like 'insult' or 'criticism.')
Synonyms: Derogatoriness, disparagement, belittlement, negativity, criticism, uncomplimentary nature, slighting, insult, contempt.
Antonyms: Complimentariness, laudatoriness, positivity, approval, flattery, respect, appreciation.
Verb (Rare and Non-Standard):
While not a standard verb form, you might see "pejorativize" used occasionally, though it's generally considered a neologism.
Definition (Neologism): To make something pejorative; to express contempt or disapproval for.
Example (Neologism): "He tried to pejorativize her contributions to the project."
Synonyms (Neologism): Belittle, demean, disparage, denigrate, criticize, insult.
Antonyms (Neologism): Praise, commend, laud, compliment, respect, appreciate.
Examples of Use
Books:
"The word 'spinster' has acquired pejorative connotations over time." (No specific book example readily available, but this is a common observation about the word's evolution. You'll find similar sentiments in books discussing language and social change.) This demonstrates how the word is often discussed in relation to its changing meaning.
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"Critics argue that the term 'illegal immigrant' is a pejorative term and prefer the phrase 'undocumented worker.'" (Numerous news articles and opinion pieces discuss the language used around immigration. This example illustrates how "pejorative" is used to analyze the impact of certain word choices.) A search for articles discussing immigration and language will yield many similar examples.
"The candidate's pejorative comments about his opponent were widely condemned." (This is a common usage in political reporting, describing negative or attacking language.) Again, a search for political news using the word "pejorative" will generate numerous real-world examples.
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"The comedian's routine relied heavily on pejorative stereotypes." (This could refer to a stand-up comedy act, a TV show, or even online content. It highlights how the word is used to critique the use of harmful stereotypes.) Reviews of comedy or social commentary often utilize this word.
"Some viewers found the character's pejorative language offensive." (This could apply to a film, a TV series, or even a video game. It shows how the word is used to describe and evaluate dialogue or character portrayals.) Discussions about potentially offensive content often include this word.
General Public Discourse (Examples are harder to directly source but illustrate common usage):
"I don't appreciate your pejorative tone; please speak respectfully." (This demonstrates how the word is used in everyday conversation to address someone's manner of speaking.) This is the kind of usage one might hear in a workplace, a family discussion, or any interpersonal interaction.
"Calling someone 'lazy' is a pejorative, and it's not helpful criticism." (This illustrates how the word is used to identify specific terms as negative or judgmental.) This type of usage is common in discussions about communication and interpersonal relationships.
10 Famous Quotes Using Pejorative
“The term 'activist judge' has become a pejorative—used not to describe judicial philosophy, but to smear decisions people don’t like.”
— Elena Kagan (A critique of how legal discourse can be weaponized politically.)“'Feminist' used to be a pejorative, now it's a badge of honor. Words evolve.”
— Gloria Steinem (On the cultural redefinition of identity and labels.)“People use the word 'bureaucrat' as a pejorative, but the truth is, societies need bureaucrats.” — Fareed Zakaria (Defending the often-maligned administrative class.)
“Calling someone a liberal used to be a compliment. Now, in some circles, it’s a pejorative.” — Barack Obama (Highlighting the politicization of ideological terms.)
“The word 'elitist' is a pejorative only in anti-intellectual societies.” — Christopher Hitchens (On the suspicion of intellect in populist culture.)
“‘Woke’ is no longer a compliment—it’s been transformed into a pejorative by those who fear accountability.” — Roxane Gay (On how social justice terms are recast in culture wars.)
“In academia, 'theory' is sometimes used as a pejorative by those who don’t understand it.”
— bell hooks (Addressing tensions between accessibility and critical analysis.)“Pejorative labels are a lazy substitute for critical thinking.” — Neil Postman (A reminder to interrogate rather than dismiss ideas.)
“When ‘socialist’ is used as a pejorative, it tells you more about the speaker than the subject.” — Noam Chomsky (Critiquing Cold War-era rhetoric that still persists.)
“To call someone a ‘nerd’ was once a pejorative. Now it’s practically aspirational.” — Simon Pegg (Celebrating the cultural shift in how intelligence is perceived.)
Etymology
Imagine "pejorative" as a word with roots reaching back to Latin. The core of the word comes from the Latin word "pejor," which means "worse." Think of it like this: if something is "pejorative," it makes something else seem worse.
Now, how did we get from "pejor" to "pejorative"? Latin added some suffixes to "pejor" to create "pejorare" (to make worse) and then "pejorativus" (making worse). These Latin words traveled through time and language, eventually becoming "pejorative" in English.
So, the etymology is quite straightforward:
Latin "pejor" (worse) + Latin suffixes = Latin "pejorare" (to make worse) + Latin suffixes = Latin "pejorativus" (making worse) -> English "pejorative"
The first known use of "pejorative" in English was likely sometime in the 19th century. Dictionaries trace it back to that period. The meaning has remained consistent: describing something that makes another thing seem less valuable, important, or good. It carries a sense of negativity or disapproval.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Pejorative
Phrases (Illustrative Examples):
Pejorative terms: This is a common collocation, referring to words or phrases that express contempt. "The use of pejorative terms in political discourse is on the rise."
Pejorative connotations: This phrase highlights how words can acquire negative meanings over time. "The word 'spinster' has pejorative connotations."
Pejorative language: This refers to language that is used to belittle or demean. "The politician was criticized for his use of pejorative language."
Pejorative remarks/comments: These are common ways to describe specific instances of pejorative language. "His pejorative remarks about her work were hurtful."
To use pejoratives: This describes the act of using such language. "The speaker avoided using pejoratives in his presentation."
Why no common idioms?
Idioms are often colorful, figurative expressions. "Pejorative" is more of a technical, descriptive term. It's not used to create a vivid image in the same way that idioms typically do. It's used to analyze language, not to create it.
Substituting Synonyms in Idioms:
We can get closer to idiomatic usage by using synonyms of "pejorative" in existing idioms, though this changes the meaning slightly:
Instead of a hypothetical "pejorative as a skunk" (which doesn't exist), we could say "His words were cutting as a knife," conveying a similar sense of negativity and harm.
Instead of a hypothetical "pejorative to the core," we might say "He was bitter to the core," using a more common idiom to express deep negativity.
Original Phrases (Illustrative):
Since common idioms are scarce, we can create some illustrative phrases that capture the flavor of the word:
"Painting someone with a pejorative brush": This evokes the image of negativity and judgment.
"The pejorative sting of his words": This highlights the hurtful impact of such language.
"Wrapped in a pejorative cloak": This suggests that someone is being generally negative and critical.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of pejorative from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
