What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
demeaning
Example
His demeaning comments made her feel small and worthless. [demeaning: adjective]
Example
She refused to tolerate his demeaning behavior any longer. [demeaning: noun]
disparaging
Example
She made disparaging remarks about his intelligence, which hurt his feelings. [disparaging: adjective]
Example
He was accused of making disparaging comments about his coworkers. [disparaging: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disparaging is more commonly used than demeaning in everyday language. Disparaging is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while demeaning is less common and typically used in more specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between demeaning and disparaging?
Both demeaning and disparaging are associated with a negative and informal tone. However, demeaning may be considered more informal and emotionally charged than disparaging, which can sometimes be used in a more objective or professional context.