What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disparage
Example
She disparaged his efforts, saying that they were not good enough. [disparaged: verb]
Example
His constant disparagement of the company's products led to a decrease in sales. [disparagement: noun]
deprecate
Example
The government deprecates any form of violence against its citizens. [deprecates: verb]
Example
She deprecates her own abilities, even though she is very talented. [deprecating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disparage is more common in everyday language than deprecate. Disparage is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while deprecate is more formal and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disparage and deprecate?
Deprecate is more formal than disparage. It is often used in written or academic contexts, while disparage can be used in both formal and informal settings.