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denigrate

verb

/ˈdɛnɪɡreɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of denigrate

To speak or write about someone or something in a negative or critical way, often with the intention of damaging their reputation or character.
"It is unprofessional to denigrate a colleague's work in public."

Detailed meaning of denigrate

It is characterized by a tendency to speak or write negatively, often with the intent to defame or devalue the person or thing in question. Denigrate can also mean to belittle or to undervalue something or someone. An example of a sentence using the word denigrate would be "The rival company tried to denigrate the new product in the market by spreading false rumors about its quality."

Example sentences containing denigrate

1. Some critics tend to denigrate new innovations without understanding them.
2. People should not denigrate others based on their cultural background.
3. Politicians often denigrate their opponents during election campaigns.
4. It's important not to denigrate yourself when you make mistakes.
5. The company's rivals may try to denigrate its reputation through negative advertising.
6. Students should not denigrate each other's ideas during a class discussion.

History and etymology of denigrate

The verb 'denigrate' has an etymology that highlights its connection to speaking negatively or critically about someone or something. It originates from the Latin word 'denigrare,' which is a combination of 'de,' meaning 'completely,' and 'nigrare,' derived from 'niger,' meaning 'black' or 'dark.' In this context, 'denigrate' originally meant to blacken or darken something completely, figuratively implying the tarnishing of reputation or character. Over time, the word evolved to describe the act of speaking or writing about someone or something in a disparaging or critical manner, often with the intent of damaging their reputation. The etymology of 'denigrate' thus underscores the notion of tarnishing or darkening someone's image through negative words or criticism.

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Further usage examples of denigrate

1. The article aims to denigrate the achievements of the activist.
2. To denigrate someone based on their appearance is both cruel and shallow.
3. In an attempt to gain an advantage, some businesses denigrate their competitors' products.
4. It's not fair to denigrate someone's efforts when they are trying their best.
5. The media should not denigrate individuals without substantial evidence.
6. Celebrities often face online trolls who denigrate them on social media.
7. The old theory continues to denigrate the role of women in history.
8. Some companies denigrate the importance of sustainable practices.
9. The speaker used sarcasm to denigrate the proposals of the opposition.
10. It is common for individuals with low self-esteem to denigrate their own achievements.
11. It is a poor strategy to denigrate the competition rather than improving your own product.
12. The movie tries to denigrate traditional values by portraying them negatively.
13. The professor advised students not to denigrate sources that contradict their views.
14. She denigrated the other candidates, calling them unqualified.