What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discredit
Example
The scandal discredited the politician's reputation. [discredited: past tense]
Example
The evidence presented in court discredited the witness's testimony. [discredited: verb]
denigrate
Example
The critic denigrated the artist's work, calling it amateurish. [denigrated: past tense]
Example
It's unfair to denigrate someone based on their appearance. [denigrate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discredit is more commonly used than denigrate in everyday language. Discredit is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while denigrate is less common and often has a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discredit and denigrate?
Discredit is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, while denigrate is more informal and can be used in personal or casual contexts.