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Glite Dictionary
derogatory use

derogatory use

1 7.8
Saying a word or phrase to insult other people
  • noun
  • /dɪˈrɑɡəˌtɔri juz/
  • Offensive
translation icon : uso despectivo
  • The frequent derogatory use of the term 'special interest group' suggested that personal rather than public interests drove their demands, effectively warning newly elected politicians of the dangers of listening to ad hoc citizens or groups.

Examples

  • The derogatory use of slurs can deeply hurt individuals and damage relationships within communities.

  • Using a term like 'loser' as a comment during a debate is a derogatory use that disrespects the opponent.

  • Many people believe that derogatory use of stereotypes in media perpetuates harmful attitudes towards minorities.

Synonyms

insult
vsderogatory use
  • Offensive
313 1.3

A rude remark or action that hurts someone's feelings

is the use of words to offend or show contempt toward people or groups
abuse
vsderogatory use
  • Offensive
155 3.4

Rude or insulting words said to hurt someone

is the general act of using words offensively toward a person or group
disrespect
vsderogatory use
133 3.4

Rude behavior or words that show a lack of respect for someone

is specific to using words offensively rather than general rude actions
slam
vsderogatory use
  • Offensive
34 6.3

An insulting remark meant to hurt someone

is any offensive wording for disrespect, not only public strong attacks
derision
vsderogatory use
  • Offensive
17 7.9

Laughing at or making fun of someone to show you do not respect them

is a wider label for using words offensively, not only by mocking
invective
vsderogatory use
  • Offensive
10 8.8

Angry words that strongly insult someone

is the general practice of using words to offend rather than attack harshly
vilification
vsderogatory use
  • Formal
6 8.4

Saying or writing very harsh and unfair things about someone to damage their reputation

is broader offensive use of words, not only extreme public attacks
denigration
vsderogatory use
  • Offensive
5 8.4

Unfair criticism that makes someone or their work seem bad

is the broader action of using language to offend rather than only slander
disparagement
vsderogatory use
3 8.1

Talking about someone in a way that shows dislike and makes them seem unimportant

is general offensive wording, not limited to expressing disapproval
name calling
vsderogatory use
  • Offensive
2 4.9

Using insulting words to hurt or shame someone instead of discussing the problem

is the broader use of words to offend rather than discuss matters
insulting remark
vsderogatory use
  • Offensive
1 3.2

A rude comment meant to hurt someone or show no respect

is broader, covering any use of words to offend or belittle others
revilement
vsderogatory use
  • Offensive
9.3

A set of harsh insulting words meant to hurt someone

is wider, covering any offensive word use not only severe abuse
contumely
vsderogatory use
  • Offensive
9.9

Rude words or actions that aim to hurt someone

covers offensive word use generally, not only contemptuous forms
derogation
vsderogatory use
8.6

A comment or action that makes someone feel unimportant

is the general use of words to offend or show lack of respect
dysphemism
vsderogatory use
  • Offensive
9.9

An insulting word used instead of a more neutral one

is the general use of words to offend or show contempt toward others

Antonyms

respectful
150 1.1

Being polite and showing admiration for someone

How Offensive

hate speech
  • Offensive
41 5.1
to slur
  • Offensive
1 7.7
insult
  • Offensive
313 1.3
derogatory use
  • Offensive
1 7.8
criticism
512 3.0

Surface Forms

derogatory use singular
derogatory uses plural

Morphology

derogatory + use

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from 'derogatory' (showing lack of respect) modifying 'use' (the manner or application of something), so it clearly denotes using a word or expression offensively. This adjective + noun compositional pattern is common and follows standard English, making it readily understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Derogatory use comes from the old idea that derogatory means taking away someone's respect, so it refers to 'using words to put someone down'.