What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dysphemistic
Example
Using the term 'croaked' instead of 'died' is an example of dysphemism. [dysphemistic: adjective]
Example
The politician's speech was filled with dysphemisms aimed at his opponent. [dysphemisms: noun]
pejorative
Example
The term 'old hag' is a pejorative term for an older woman. [pejorative: adjective]
Example
The use of pejoratives in the debate only served to escalate tensions. [pejoratives: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pejorative is more commonly used than dysphemistic in everyday language. Pejorative is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while dysphemistic is more specialized and is typically used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dysphemistic and pejorative?
Both dysphemistic and pejorative are formal words that are typically used in academic or technical contexts. However, pejorative is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while dysphemistic is less commonly used and is typically found only in formal or technical writing.
