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To regard or represent as being of little worth.
synonyms:belittledenigrate
The word 'disparage' comes from the Old French term 'desparagier', which means 'to marry off unequally'. It can be traced back to the Latin 'disparare', combining 'dis-' (meaning 'apart') and 'par' (meaning 'equal').
The term is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in discussions about opinions, reviews, and social commentary.
While not used in daily conversation by everyone, 'disparage' is frequently found in media, literature, and discussions, particularly around critical evaluations.
It's unfair to disparage someone's efforts without understanding the challenges they faced.
The critic's review seemed more intended to disparage the artist than to provide constructive feedback.
Instead of helping, he chose to disparage her ideas during the meeting.
The verb 'disparage' adds a colorful twist to conversations where opinions are exchanged. Originating from the notion of unequal marriage, it has evolved to describe situations where something or someone is undervalued or belittled. Whether in a review of a movie or a discussion about a colleague's performance, disparaging remarks can dampen spirits. It's a reminder of the power of words and how they can uplift or bring down.