'disparage' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'desparagier,' where 'des-' meant 'apart' and 'parage' meant 'rank or lineage.'

'desparagier' transformed into the Middle English word 'disparagen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'disparage.'

Initially, it meant 'to marry below one's rank,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to belittle or denigrate.'