denigrate
denigrate
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling of "denigrate"
IPA: /ˈdɛnɪɡreɪt/
Syllabic Breakdown:
de-ni-grate
Sounds:
de: /dɪ/ (pronounced as in "did")
ni: /nɪ/ (pronounced as in "nit")
grate: /ɡreɪt/ (pronounced as in "great")
Word Form Variations
Denigrate is a verb, meaning to criticize someone or something severely, especially unfairly. It does not have any regular noun or adjective forms.
However, it can be used in various verb tenses and forms:
Present tense: denigrates
Past tense: denigrated
Past participle: denigrated
Present participle: denigrating
Example sentences:
The politician denigrated his opponent's policies.
She has been denigrating the company's reputation.
He denigrated the value of education.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Verb
Definition: To criticize someone or something severely, especially unfairly.
Synonyms: disparage, vilify, slander, malign, defame
Antonyms: praise, commend, extol, laud
Noun
Definition: A derogatory remark or statement.
Synonyms: insult, slur, abuse, invective
Antonyms: compliment, praise, commendation
Note: While "denigrate" is primarily a verb, it can occasionally be used as a noun to refer to the act of denigrating or a derogatory statement. However, this usage is less common.
Examples of Use
Books
"He denigrated their efforts, calling them 'amateurish' and 'useless.'" (The New York Times)
"She denigrated the idea of a mixed-race marriage, claiming it would be a 'disgrace' to the family." (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)
Newspapers
"The article denigrated the government's response to the crisis, accusing them of 'incompetence' and 'negligence.'" (The Guardian)
"The senator denigrated his opponent's character, calling him a 'liar' and a 'fraud.'" (The Washington Post)
Online Publications
"Many online trolls denigrate people's appearance and intelligence, often using hateful language." (The Atlantic)
"The article denigrated the use of artificial intelligence, claiming it would lead to job losses and social inequality." (Wired)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
"The reality show denigrated the contestants' intelligence and abilities, often making fun of their mistakes." (The New Yorker)
"The comedian denigrated politicians in his routine, making jokes about their personal lives and policies." (The Daily Show)
General Public Discourse
"Some people denigrate the idea of climate change, claiming it is a 'hoax' and a 'conspiracy theory.'" (National Geographic)
"The company denigrated its competitors, claiming their products were 'inferior' and 'unreliable.'" (Business Insider)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Denigrate
""A lie can travel half way around the world while truth is putting on its shoes." (Mark Twain) - This quote emphasizes the power of negative rumors and misinformation to spread quickly, which can be seen as a form of denigration.
"Slander is like mud: throw it at a wall and it will stick, throw it at a person and it will wash off." (Unknown) - This quote highlights the temporary nature of slander and the importance of not letting negative comments affect you.
"The tongue is a sword that cuts both ways." (Anonymous) - This proverb warns against the harmful effects of harsh words and insults, which can be seen as a form of denigration.
"A good name is better than riches." (Proverbs 22:1) - This biblical verse emphasizes the importance of a positive reputation, which can be damaged by denigration.
"He who speaks ill of another, speaks ill of himself." (French Proverb) - This proverb suggests that those who spread negativity often reveal their own flaws.
"Hate does not cease by hate, but by love alone it is conquered." (Buddha) - This quote emphasizes the power of love and compassion to overcome negativity and hatred, which can be seen as forms of denigration.
"Gossip is the art of introducing others to people you don't like." (Oscar Wilde) - This witty quote highlights the harmful nature of gossip, which can be seen as a form of denigration.
"A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will." (Unknown) - This quote suggests that open-mindedness and the ability to change one's perspective are important qualities, as opposed to stubbornness and negativity, which can be seen as forms of denigration.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." (Gandhi) - This quote emphasizes the importance of focusing on positive actions and helping others, rather than engaging in negativity and denigration.
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." (Edmund Burke) - This quote highlights the importance of standing up for what is right and speaking out against injustice, which can be seen as a form of denigration.
Etymology
Denigrate comes from the Latin word denigrare, which means "to blacken" or "to make dark." This is because the Latin word niger means "black."
So, when we say something is "denigrated," it means it has been made to look bad or negative, like it has been painted black. This word was first used in English around the 1600s with the same meaning as it has today.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Denigrate
Original Phrases:
To cast a shadow over: This phrase implies tarnishing or damaging a reputation.
To paint a dark picture of: This phrase suggests portraying something in a negative or unfavorable light.
To throw mud at: This idiom means to criticize someone unfairly or maliciously.
Idioms with Synonyms:
To run someone down: This idiom means to speak badly about someone or something.
To give someone a bad name: This idiom means to damage someone's reputation.
To make a fool of someone: This idiom means to humiliate or embarrass someone.
While these phrases and idioms don't directly use the word "denigrate," they effectively convey the same meaning of negative criticism or damage to reputation.
Posts Related to Denigrate
Source Information
Definition of denigrate from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
