disparage

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   express a negative opinion of

   The teacher disparaged the student's efforts.

2. 2
   noun

   Inequality in marriage; marriage with an inferior.

   But, for his meane degree might not aspire / To match so high, her friends with counsell sage / Dissuaded her from such a disparage […]

3. 3
   verb

   To match unequally; to degrade or dishonor.

   Alas! that any of my nation Should ever so foul disparaged be.

4. 4
   verb

   To dishonor by a comparison with what is inferior; to lower in rank or estimation by actions or words; to speak slightingly of; to depreciate; to undervalue.

   August 30, 1706, Francis Atterbury, a sermon preach'd in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, at the funeral of Mr. Tho. Bennet those forbidding appearances which sometimes disparage the actions of men sincerely pious

5. 5
   verb

   To ridicule, mock, discredit.

   Had he disparaged my personal appearance I should in all probability have laughed at him with lively indifference

Etymology

From Middle English disparage (noun), disparagen (verb), from Old French desparage (noun), desparagier (verb), from des- (“dis-”) + parage (“equal rank, rank”).