English Explanatory Dictionary

derogate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To partially repeal (a law etc.).
  2. To detract from (something); to disparage, belittle.
  3. To take away (something from something else) in a way which leaves it lessened.
  4. To detract from (a quality of excellence, authority etc.).
  5. To act in a manner below oneself; to debase oneself.
adj
  1. Derogated, annulled in part.
  2. Debased, deteriorated.

Pronunciation

/ˈdɛɹəɡeɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-derogate.wav

Word forms

derogate derogates derogating derogated more derogate most derogate

Etymology

Inherited from Late Middle English derogaten, from derogat(e) (“annulled, abrogated”, used participially and later as the past participle of derogaten) + -en (verb-forming suffix) borrowed from Latin dērogātus, perfect passive participle of dērogō (“to annul, repeal part of a law, take away, detract from”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from dē- (“from”) + rogō (“to ask, enquire; to propose a law”). Sporadic participial usage of the adjective up until Early Modern English.

Synonyms

vilify depreciate downplay bagatellize banalize belittle cut down de-emphasize denigrate degrade deprecate derogate disparage dispraise lilliputianize make little of make nothing of minimize play down set at nought superficialize trivialize underestimate underplay understate vilipend

Antonyms

praise laud glorify big up cut it fat exaggerate hyperbolize overcharge overdo overemphasize overstate play up stretch three-sheet aggrandize applaud enthrone appraise belaud bepraise commend cry up eulogize exalt extol honor idolize lionize magnify panegyrize puff revere speak well of transfigure venerate worthy

Related words

abrogate arrogate derogation derogative derogatory interrogate prorogue surrogate

Derived words

derogatable derogately underogating
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