denigrates
|den-i-grate|
/ˈdɛnɪɡreɪt/
(denigrate)
unfair criticism
Etymology
'denigrate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'denigrare', where 'de-' functioned as an intensifier and 'nigrare' (from 'niger') meant 'to make black' or 'blacken'.
'denigrate' changed from the Latin verb 'denigrare' and entered English usage (via Late Latin and occasional French influence) in the modern period, coming to be used figuratively to mean 'blacken someone's reputation'.
Initially, it meant 'to blacken' (often in a literal or physical sense), but over time it evolved into the figurative meaning 'to blacken someone's character or reputation' — hence 'to disparage'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
third-person singular present form of 'denigrate': to criticize unfairly or speak of someone in a way that makes them seem less important or valuable; to belittle or disparage, often harming reputation.
She denigrates her colleagues in meetings, which undermines team morale.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/10/03 10:08