Derogatory vs. Pejorative: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Derogatory means showing a critical or disrespectful attitude, while pejorative implies a word or phrase that expresses contempt or disapproval.
Key Differences
Derogatory comments or terms are often used to belittle or disparage someone or something, while pejorative language specifically denotes contempt or disapproval through the choice of words.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
A derogatory statement might not always use pejorative language; it could be the tone or context that makes it demeaning. Conversely, pejorative terms are inherently derogatory, as their primary purpose is to express negativity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Derogatory remarks can be subtle and imply disrespect without explicit negativity, whereas pejorative terms are explicitly negative and intended to offend or show disrespect.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Derogatory can describe general behavior or attitudes that are disrespectful, while pejorative is specifically related to language and the choice of words that demean.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Derogatory can sometimes be used in a less intense sense of criticism or disapproval, whereas pejorative always carries a strong connotation of contempt and strong disapproval.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Disrespectful attitude or comment
Contemptuous or disapproving word or phrase
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Context of Usage
Can be subtle, based on tone or context
Explicitly negative and offensive
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Relation to Language
Can refer to both language and behavior
Specifically related to word choice
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Derogatory and Pejorative Definitions
Derogatory
Demeaning or diminishing in value or importance.
Using derogatory language about a culture is unacceptable.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Pejorative
Used to show that a word or phrase is disparaging.
He used a pejorative nickname for his rival.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Derogatory
Reflecting a negative judgment or opinion.
Their derogatory views on the project were demoralizing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Pejorative
Expressing contempt or disapproval.
Lazy is a pejorative term for relaxed.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Derogatory
Expressing a low opinion of someone or something.
The article was filled with derogatory statements about the celebrity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Pejorative
Conveying an unfavorable connotation.
Referring to someone as a nerd can be pejorative.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Derogatory
Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude.
His derogatory remarks about my work were hurtful.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Pejorative
Negative or belittling in implication.
The term junk food is pejorative.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Derogatory
Intended to belittle or disparage.
She made a derogatory comment about his background.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Pejorative
A term used to diminish someone's dignity.
The pejorative label they used was offensive.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Pejorative
Disparaging; belittling
"The label Neandertal took on a pejorative connotation decades ago.
It implied boorishness at best and stupidity at worst" (Craig Stanford).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Derogatory
Reducing the power or value of (a governmental body, etc); detracting from.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pejorative
Implying or imputing evil; depreciatory; disparaging; unfavorable.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Derogatory
Lessening the worth of (a person, etc); expressing derogation; insulting.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pejorative
Expressing disapproval;
Dyslogistic terms like `nitwit' and `scalawag'
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Derogatory
A trade-line on a credit report that includes negative credit history.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Derogatory
Tending to derogate, or lessen in value; expressing a low opinion; expressing derogation; detracting; injurious; - with from, to, or unto.
Acts of Parliament derogatory from the power of subsequent Parliaments bind not.
His language was severely censured by some of his brother peers as derogatory to their other.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Derogatory
Expressive of low opinion;
Derogatory comments
Disparaging remarks about the new house
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a pejorative term ever be positive?
No, pejorative terms are inherently negative.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can derogatory remarks be non-verbal?
Yes, non-verbal cues can also be derogatory.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are derogatory comments always obvious?
They can be either obvious or subtle, depending on context and tone.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is pejorative language always derogatory?
Yes, pejorative terms are a subset of derogatory language.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is it possible to use derogatory language unintentionally?
Yes, sometimes people may not realize their language is derogatory.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can pejorative terms become normalized?
Over time, some pejorative terms can lose their negative connotations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What makes a comment derogatory?
Disrespect, belittlement, or negativity in the comment.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are all insults pejorative?
Most insults are pejorative, but not all derogatory remarks are insults.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Do pejorative terms change over time?
Yes, the connotations of words can evolve.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can derogatory language be a form of humor?
It can be, but it often risks offending or belittling others.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is all derogatory language pejorative?
Not necessarily; derogatory language can be subtly disrespectful without using pejorative terms.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can a term start as pejorative but become neutral?
Yes, language evolves, and terms can lose their negative connotations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Does context affect whether something is derogatory?
Absolutely, context is key in determining if language is derogatory.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can sarcasm be considered derogatory?
Yes, if it's used to belittle or disrespect.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are some pejorative terms reclaimed by communities?
Yes, some communities reclaim pejorative terms as a form of empowerment.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is it possible to use derogatory language in a positive context?
Rarely, as it generally carries negative implications.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is derogatory language always intentional?
It can be either intentional or unintentional.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
How do pejorative terms impact social attitudes?
They can perpetuate stereotypes and negative attitudes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is pejorative language culturally specific?
Yes, what is considered pejorative can vary by culture.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can the tone of voice make a statement derogatory?
Yes, tone can greatly impact the perception of a statement.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
