Word
disparaging
Phoneticsdis·parag·ing
US/dɪˈspɛɹɪdʒɪŋ/
UK/dɪspˈæɹɪdʒɪŋ/
Definition
v. to say something mean or rude about someone or something to make them look bad. You use this when you want to show that you think very little of a person or an idea.
v. to express a low opinion of someone or something in a manner that is intended to be offensive or belittling. Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe speech that damages a person's reputation.
Examples
“He was accused of disparaging his former employer on social media.”
“The lawyer argued that the witness's comments were disparaging and should be excluded from the trial.”
“The CEO faced a lawsuit after making several disparaging remarks about the company's competitors during a live interview, leading to a significant drop in the firm's stock price.”
Examples
simple
“He was accused of disparaging his former employer on social media.”
contextual
“The lawyer argued that the witness's comments were disparaging and should be excluded from the trial.”
complex
“The CEO faced a lawsuit after making several disparaging remarks about the company's competitors during a live interview, leading to a significant drop in the firm's stock price.”
Real-World Examples
“Other negative ads suggested El-Sayed had made disparaging comments about Michelle Obama.” “The judge ruled that disparaging Israel was not antisemitic and stated that “for decades Jewish people have been amongst the most forceful critics of Israel’s conduct towards the Palestinians”.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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