Derogatory

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dɪˈɹɒɡətɹi/
• US IPA: /dɪˈɹɑɡətɔɹi/

Origin

From Late Latin dērogātōrius, from Latin dērogāre; corresponding to derogate + -ory.

Full definition of derogatory

Adjective

1. (usually with to) Tending to derogate, or lessen in value of someone; expressing derogation; detracting; injurious.
• unknown date Blackstone.Acts of Parliament derogatory from the power of subsequent Parliaments bind not.
• unknown date Macaulay.His language was severely censured by some of his brother peers as derogatory to their other.
2. (legal) When referring to a clause in a testament: a sentence of secret character inserted by the testator alone, of which he reserves the knowledge to himself, with a condition that no will he may make thereafter shall be valid, unless this clause is inserted word for word; – a precaution to guard against later wills extorted by violence, or obtained by suggestion.

Usage notes

In common language, particularly used in the phrase “derogatory term”, equivalent to less common pejorative, and in “derogatory statements”, equivalent to more casual offensive.

Noun

1. A trade-line on a credit report that includes negative credit history.

Synonyms

• pejorative

Related terms

• derogate
• derogation