Derogatory
adj. /dɪˈrɒɡətəri/ (ڈِیروگیٹری)Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude; expressing a low opinion of someone or something.
Derogatory Meaning in Urdu
In everyday Urdu, derogatory describes words or comments that are deliberately insulting.
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1
Intended to criticize or disrespect someoneتضحیک آمیز، توہین آمیز
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2
(of language) expressing a negative or insulting opinionتنقیدی اور تحقیر آمیز رائے کا اظہار کرنے والا
“Derogatory” is most often used to describe words, comments, or remarks specifically — a derogatory term, a derogatory comment.
Word Details
| Word | Derogatory |
| Part of Speech | Adjective |
| CEFR Level | B2/C1 |
| Difficulty | Ielts |
| Urdu Meaning | تضحیک آمیز، توہین آمیز |
| English Meaning | Showing a critical, disrespectful, or insulting attitude |
| Pronunciation | /dɪˈrɒɡətəri/ |
| Word Type | Common formal adjective, negative connotation |
| Commonness | Frequent in discussions of language, discrimination, and respectful communication |
Pronunciation
Simple English Explanation
Use “derogatory” for words or comments that are deliberately insulting or disrespectful — a derogatory nickname, a derogatory joke about someone’s background, or a derogatory tone in an argument.
اردو وضاحت
“Derogatory” ایسے الفاظ یا تبصروں کے لیے استعمال ہوتا ہے جو جان بوجھ کر توہین آمیز یا تحقیر آمیز ہوں۔
Example Sentences
Synonyms
Nuance: “Insulting” is broader and more direct; “derogatory” specifically emphasises language that lowers someone’s status or reputation, often used formally in discussions of discrimination or professional conduct.
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Word Family
| Form | Word |
|---|---|
| Adjective | Derogatory |
| Noun | Derogation |
| Adverb | Derogatorily |
Rare related verb: derogate.
Derogatory vs Contemptuous
“Contemptuous” describes an attitude of scorn or disdain — how someone feels or acts, often shown through tone, expression, or behaviour.
“Derogatory” is more specifically about language — words, comments, or terms that are disrespectful or insulting — so a person can act “contemptuous” while a specific comment they make is described as “derogatory.”
Common Mistakes
✓ His contemptuous smile showed his contempt clearly.
“Derogatory” describes language or words, not facial expressions.
IELTS Usage
Writing: Useful in Task 2 essays about discrimination, respectful communication, or media ethics.
Speaking: Works in Part 3 discussions about workplace conduct or online behaviour.
Example: “Derogatory language in the workplace can lead to a toxic environment and legal consequences.”
MDCAT / Academic Usage
Not scientific vocabulary; frequently appears in MDCAT English comprehension passages about social issues, ethics, or communication studies rather than science content.
Word Origin / Etymology
From Latin derogare (“to repeal partly, detract from”), combining de- (away) and rogare (to ask, propose a law). The sense shifted to “detracting from someone’s reputation” in English.
Memory Tip
Think “de-ROG-atory” contains “rog,” like “interrogate” — imagine harshly attacking someone’s worth with words.
Mini Quiz
1. Meaning of “derogatory”:
2. Correct sentence:
3. Antonym of “derogatory”:
Score: 0 / 3
FAQs
What is the meaning of derogatory in Urdu?
Derogatory means تضحیک آمیز، توہین آمیز — showing a critical or disrespectful attitude, especially through language.
Is derogatory a noun, verb, or adjective?
Adjective; the noun form is derogation and the adverb is derogatorily; the rare related verb is derogate.
What are the synonyms of derogatory?
Disparaging, insulting, belittling, and demeaning — with nuance explained above.