pejoration

[pej-uh-rey-shuhn]

pejoration Definition

a semantic change in which a word gains increasingly negative connotations.

Using pejoration: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pejoration" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The pejoration of the word 'gay' from meaning happy to meaning homosexual is an example of semantic change.

  • Example

    The term 'spinster' has undergone pejoration over time, becoming a derogatory term for an unmarried woman.

pejoration Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for pejoration

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Summary: pejoration in Brief

'Pejoration' [pej-uh-rey-shuhn] is a noun that refers to a semantic change in which a word gains increasingly negative connotations. Examples include the word 'gay' and 'spinster', which have undergone pejoration over time.