derogatory

IPA/dɪˈrɒɡətri/
KK[dɚˈɑɡətˌɔri]IPA/dɪˈrɑːɡətɔːri/

derogatory — adjective

  • derogatorypositive
  • more derogatorycomparative
  • most derogatorysuperlative

1. Showing that you look down on someone or something and speak about them as if th

1.形容詞C1
釋義

Showing that you look down on someone or something and speak about them as if they deserve little respect.

例句

The coach was fired after using a derogatory nickname for the new goalkeeper.

collocation: derogatory nickname

In the meeting, Ayesha made a derogatory comment about night-shift cleaners.

derogatory comment about + group

同義詞
  • disparaging

    Very close in meaning, often used for language that openly lowers someone in other people's eyes.

  • insulting

    Stronger and more direct, often causing offence at once.

  • belittling

    Focuses on making someone seem small or unimportant.

反義詞
  • respectful

    Showing regard instead of treating the target as beneath respect.

  • complimentary

    Expressing approval or praise rather than contempt.

文法句型

derogatory + remark / comment / term / tone

be/sound + derogatory

be + derogatory + about/toward + noun phrase

用法筆記

Most often describes remarks, names, tones, or jokes rather than neutral criticism. It is stronger than 'critical': criticism can be fair, but derogatory language lowers the person or thing it targets.

常見錯誤

❌The editor was derogatory because she asked for clearer dates.
✅The editor was critical of the article, but not derogatory toward the writer.
💡'Derogatory' implies belittling or disrespect, not ordinary negative feedback.