adjective

derogatory

dih-RAH-guh-tor-ee/dɪˈrɑːɡətɔːri/

Expressing disrespect or a low opinion.

The man's derogatory gestures belittle the handmade bowl and hurt its maker.

A young man openly belittles another man's handmade clay bowl, pointing at it with a mocking sneer and a contemptuous thumbs-down while its maker holds it protectively and draws back, visibly hurt.

Etymology

deLatinaway

+rogLatinask, propose

+atoryLatinrelating to

Latin “away” and “ask, propose” combine in derogare, meaning to take away or partly repeal. Applied to honor or standing, this became the idea of lowering someone in others’ esteem.

In context

The Daily Bellringer0:52

the term carpetbagger is actually a derogatory term and by that i mean a name given or title given to someone that is meant to be disrespectful or express anger towards that person

Carpetbaggers & Scalawags: Who Were They? Reconstruction Explained | DAILY BELLRINGER

More examples

He uses a derogatory nickname for his neighbor.
That term sounds derogatory, even if you mean it affectionately.
The review includes several derogatory remarks about the author's intelligence.

Forms

derogatory · more derogatory · most derogatory

Similar words

insulting: Emphasizes causing offense rather than expressing a low opinion.
disparaging: Emphasizes belittling someone's worth, achievements, or abilities through criticism.
demeaning: Emphasizes damage to dignity and can describe treatment, not just words.