Denigrate Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/dɪˈnɛɡrɪteɪt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To speak or write about someone or something in a way that shows disrespect or a lack of respect, often in order to harm their reputation.

Examples

• The politician’s opponents sought to denigrate her character during the election.
• The critic’s review of the movie was harsh, aiming to denigrate the director’s skills.

Synonyms

• Belittle
• Defame

Antonyms

• Praise
• Commend

Additional Information

Denigrating someone or something can be a deliberate attempt to undermine their credibility or reputation. This can be done through verbal or written attacks, and is often used in a negative or malicious manner.

In academic or professional settings, denigration can be used to discredit opposing views or approaches, often to gain an advantage or to promote one’s own ideas.

In everyday life, denigration can take the form of gossip, rumors, or negative comments about others, often spreading false or misleading information.

Etymology

The word “denigrate” comes from the Latin words “de” meaning “down” and “nigra” meaning “black”, originally used to describe the act of blackening or staining someone’s reputation.

Usage Notes

When using the word “denigrate”, be aware of the context and audience, as it can be perceived as a strong or negative term. Avoid using it in inappropriate or offensive ways, and consider the potential consequences of denigrating someone or something.

Cultural References

The word “denigrate” has been used in various forms of media, such as literature, film, and television, to describe the act of undermining or discrediting someone or something.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Denigrate someone’s character
• Denigrate someone’s work

Related Words or Phrases

• Defamation
• Libel
• Slander

Collocations

• Denigrate someone’s reputation
• Denigrate a rival’s product

Frequency of Use

The word “denigrate” is moderately frequent in modern language, often used in formal or professional contexts, such as academic writing, journalism, and politics.

Common Misspellings

• Denigrete
• Denegrate
• Denegrait