Words / C2

DEN-igr-ayt/ˈdenɪɡreɪt/

To denigrate is to criticise unfairly so as to make someone or something seem worthless. Run down is everyday and informal; belittle is a close synonym; criticise can still be fair. Denigration is the noun, and the charge is serious and formal — reviews, ethics, politics. In speech, put them down or talk them down is more natural; do not use it for ordinary, justified criticism.

Meaning

To criticise someone or something unfairly and make them seem worthless (formal).

Examples

• “Do not denigrate a classmate’s accent.”
• “The column denigrated vocational courses as second-class.”
• “She refused to denigrate colleagues in order to look sharp.”

Good to know

Unfairly make worthless. Formal. Everyday: belittle / run down. Fairer verb: criticise.

Near in meaning

belittle

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