What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
derogatory
Example
His derogatory remarks about her appearance were completely uncalled for. [derogatory: adjective]
Example
She felt offended by the derogatory tone in his voice. [derogatory: noun]
disparaging
Example
The article contained disparaging comments about the company's management. [disparaging: adjective]
Example
He made a disparaging remark about her intelligence, which was completely unfair. [disparaging: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disparaging is more commonly used than derogatory in everyday language. Disparaging is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while derogatory is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between derogatory and disparaging?
Both derogatory and disparaging are considered formal words and are typically used in more serious or professional contexts. However, derogatory may have a stronger negative connotation and is therefore more likely to be used in informal or emotional situations.
