pejorative
|pe/jor/a/tive|
🇺🇸
/pɪˈdʒɔːrətɪv/
🇬🇧
/pɪˈdʒɒrətɪv/
expressing disapproval
Etymology
'pejorative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'pejorare,' where 'pejor' meant 'worse.'
'pejorare' transformed into the French word 'péjoratif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pejorative' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'to make worse,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'expressing disapproval.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a word or phrase that has negative connotations or that is intended to disparage or belittle.
The word 'geek' was once a pejorative, but now it's often used positively.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
expressing contempt or disapproval.
The term 'bureaucrat' is often used in a pejorative sense.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45