self-dispraise
Definition
- Noun:
- Self-deprecation: "self-dispraise" refers to the act of speaking or thinking about oneself in a way that undervalues one's own worth, abilities, or achievements. It involves expressing criticism or belittlement directed at oneself.
Usage Examples
- (The act of undervaluing his own qualities.)
- (Speaking negatively about oneself to appear modest.)
Advanced Usage
"to engage in self-dispraise": to actively criticize or diminish one's own value.
- In many cultures, engaging in self-dispraise is seen as a polite way to avoid arrogance. (Participating in self-criticism for social reasons.)
"a tone of self-dispraise": a manner of speaking that conveys self-criticism.
- His speech was marked by a tone of self-dispraise, which puzzled his audience. (A way of talking that belittles oneself.)
Variants and Related Words
Self-dispraising (adj): characterized by or expressing self-criticism.
- Her self-dispraising comments were intended to deflect praise. (Comments that undervalue oneself.)
Self-dispraiser (n): a person who habitually engages in self-dispraise.
- He was a notorious self-dispraiser, always downplaying his successes. (Someone who frequently criticizes themselves.)
Synonyms
- Self-deprecation: the act of making oneself seem less important or good.
- Self-criticism: the act of pointing out one's own faults or weaknesses.
- Self-belittlement: the act of making oneself appear small or insignificant.
Related Idioms
"To sing one's own praises" (antonym): to boast about oneself; the opposite of self-dispraise.
- Instead of self-dispraise, he preferred to sing his own praises loudly. (To boast rather than criticize oneself.)
"To put oneself down": to criticize or undervalue oneself.
- She always puts herself down, which is a form of self-dispraise. (To speak negatively about one's own abilities.)