verb
disparage
dih-SPAIR-ij/dɪˈspærɪdʒ/
To speak of someone or something as inferior or unworthy.
The critic disparages the painting while its hurt artist listens.
Etymology
Taking people away from their rank originally meant degrading them through marriage below their social standing. This broadened to lowering people's worth by comparison, then to belittling them in speech.
In context
i don't want to disparage the voice actors i want to disparage the direction that they got because it was not great direction
More examples
- The reviewer disparaged the film as a waste of time.
- He disparages any idea that does not come from him.
- You can explain your qualifications without disparaging other applicants.
Forms
disparage · disparages · disparaged · disparaging
disparagement noun — Speech that presents someone or something as inferior.
Similar words
- belittle
- Emphasizes making someone or something seem small or unimportant.
- denigrate
- Emphasizes attacking someone's reputation or denying something's value.
- demean
- Can involve degrading treatment rather than just critical speech.