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.