Pejorative Meaning in English
word
pəˈdʒɔɹətɪv
puh-JOR-uh-tiv
pədʒˈɒɹətˌɪv
puh-JOR-uh-tiv
Definition
A pejorative is a word or expression that shows criticism, disrespect, or a negative opinion about someone or something.
Usage & Nuances
'Pejorative' is formal and academic. Common with 'term', 'word', or 'sense': 'pejorative term', 'used pejoratively'. Do not use it in casual speech. Many insult words are pejoratives.
Spanish: peyorativo - término despectivoPortuguese (BR): pejorativo - termo depreciativoPortuguese (PT): pejorativo - termo depreciativoChinese (Simplified): 贬义的 - 贬损词Chinese (Traditional): 貶義的 - 貶損詞Hindi: निंदात्मक - अपमानजनक शब्दArabic: مهين (مهين مصطلح) - وصف سلبيBengali: অবমাননাকর - হেয়সূচকRussian: уничижительный - пренебрежительныйJapanese: 軽蔑的（けいべつてき） - 侮蔑的（ぶべつてき）Vietnamese: miệt thị - xúc phạmKorean: 경멸적인 - 비하적인Turkish: aşağılayıcı - küçümseyiciUrdu: حقارت آمیز - توہین آمیزIndonesian: merendahkan - menghina
Example Sentences
'Nerd' was once a pejorative, but now some people use it proudly.
basic
He used a pejorative word to describe his rival.
basic
Avoid making pejorative comments about others.
basic
Describing someone as 'lazy' can sound quite pejorative.
natural
That word is really pejorative, so I'd avoid using it.
natural
In online debates, people sometimes use pejorative language to insult others.
natural