Definition of derogatory
Etymology
Late Latin d"rogātōrius < Latin d"rogāre; corresponding to derogate + -ory.
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA: /dɪˈɹ'ɡətɹi/, SAMPA: /dI"rQg@trI/
- (US) IPA: /dɪˈɹɑɡət"ɹi/, SAMPA: /dI"rAg@tOri/
Adjective
derogatory (comparative more derogatory, superlative most derogatory)
- (usually with to) Tending to derogate, or lessen in value of someone; expressing derogation; detracting; injurious.
Blackstone.
Acts of Parliament derogatory from the power of subsequent Parliaments bind not.
Macaulay.
His language was severely censured by some of his brother peers as derogatory to their other.
- (law) When referring to a clause in a testament: a sentence of secret character inserted by the testator alone, of which he reserves the knowledge to himself, with a condition that no will he may make thereafter shall be valid, unless this clause is inserted word for word; - a precaution to guard against later wills extorted by violence, or obtained by suggestion.
Usage notes
- In common language, particularly used in the phrase “derogatory term”, equivalent to less common pejorative, and in “derogatory statements”, equivalent to more casual offensive.
Noun
derogatory (plural derogatories)
- A trade-line on a credit report that includes negative credit history.
Synonyms
References:
- Wiktionary. Published under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
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