pejorative

/'pi:dʤərətiv/

Thân thiện

The word "nitwit" is a pejorative term.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Expressing disapproval or criticism; having a negative or belittling meaning: A "pejorative" word, phrase, or expression is one that suggests something is bad, inferior, or worthy of scorn. It is used to show contempt or to disparage.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The word "hick" is a pejorative term for someone from a rural area.
  • Using pejorative language to describe political opponents is unhelpful.
  • Her review was filled with pejorative remarks about the actor's performance.

Advanced Usage

• Pejorative suffix: Some suffixes can turn a neutral word into a pejorative one.
  • The suffix "-aster" (as in "poetaster") often has a pejorative sense, implying inferior quality.
• Pejorative connotation: Refers to a negative implication that a word has acquired over time, even if its original meaning was neutral.
  • The word "propaganda" now carries a pejorative connotation, though it originally referred to the dissemination of information.

Variants and Related Words

• Pejoratively (adverb): In a disapproving or disparaging manner.
  • He spoke pejoratively about modern art.
• Pejoration (noun): The process by which a word's meaning becomes more negative over time.
  • The pejoration of the word "silly," which once meant "blessed" or "innocent," is a classic example.

Synonyms

• Derogatory: Intended to show a lack of respect.
• Disparaging: Expressing the opinion that something is of little worth.
• Deprecatory: Expressing disapproval.
• Dyslogistic (formal): Conveying censure or disapproval.

Antonyms

• Complimentary: Expressing praise or admiration.
• Laudatory: Expressing praise and commendation.
• Meliorative: Tending to improve or make better.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Pejorative sense/term: A common phrase used to specify the negative usage of a word.
  • In this context, the word is used in a pejorative sense.
• Pejorative epithet: A disparaging name or label.
  • The debate was marred by the use of pejorative epithets.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. expressing disapproval
   • dyslogistic terms like `nitwit' and `scalawag'

Từ đồng nghĩa

• dyslogistic
• dislogistic