What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
derogatory
Example
The comedian made derogatory remarks about people with disabilities. [derogatory: adjective]
Example
She felt offended by his derogatory tone towards her work. [derogatory: noun]
abusive
Example
The victim reported the abusive behavior of her partner to the police. [abusive: adjective]
Example
He suffered from the abusive treatment of his boss for years. [abusive: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Derogatory is more commonly used than abusive in everyday language. Derogatory language or behavior can be found in various contexts, such as humor, politics, or social media. On the other hand, abusive language or behavior is typically associated with personal relationships or situations of power imbalance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between derogatory and abusive?
Both derogatory and abusive are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as legal documents, news articles, or academic papers.
