What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vilified
Example
The politician was vilified by the media for his controversial statements. [vilified: verb]
Example
She felt vilified by her colleagues after they spread rumors about her. [vilified: adjective]
denigrate
Example
He denigrated her achievements, saying that they were not impressive. [denigrated: verb]
Example
The article denigrated the company's products, causing a drop in sales. [denigrated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Denigrate is more commonly used than vilify in everyday language, as it can be used in a wider range of contexts and has a more neutral connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vilified and denigrate?
Both vilify and denigrate are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as journalism, politics, or law.