How to Memorize

disparage - criticize

Analysis

To ‘disparage’ means to belittle or express an overly critical opinion of somebody or something in a dismissive way. The word implies that the accusation or slight is unfair, and that the person making it is acting in a superior or haughty manner. As such, the term has negative connotations.

Example(s)

1. I wasn’t surprised to see Jane disparage Emily’s contribution to the project. Everyone knows she has a personal problem with her.

2. The politician claimed that there was a hidden agenda behind the media’s disparagement of his recent policy proposal.

3. The journalist referred to me disparagingly in her article. I am considering suing for defamation.