adjective / noun
pejorative
pih-JOR-uh-tiv/pɪˈdʒɔːrətɪv/
A word or phrase that expresses contempt or disapproval, or describing such language.
The woman's pejorative remark about the handmade bowl leaves its maker looking hurt.
Etymology
The underlying idea is “making worse”: a pejorative expression presents its subject in a worse light, giving a word or description a disparaging force.
In context
factions because it is a word that often just feels pejorative and it's like oh you know oh my gosh it's breaking down into factions and and madison didn't he warn against factions
More examples
- She uses 'snob' as a pejorative, not a compliment.
- Some once-neutral words become pejoratives over time.
- Calling their neighborhood a dump sounds pejorative.
Forms
pejorative · pejoratives
pejoratively adverb — In a way that expresses contempt or disapproval.
Similar words
- derogatory
- Emphasizes belittling someone or something, rather than general disapproval.
- slur
- A strongly insulting expression, often targeting someone's group identity.