Denigrate
hardNegative toneDEN-ih-grayt
verb
Definition
To criticize unfairly; to disparage or belittle
Memory hook
DE-NIGRATE: to blacken (nigr = black) someone's reputation — criticize unfairly.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The campaign sought to denigrate the opponent's character.”
“Critics who denigrate her work fail to understand its complexity.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The campaign sought to ______ the opponent's character.”
Show answer
denigrate
Categories
GRE Tip
Denigrate is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "disparage" or "belittle" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "extol".
Related GRE Words
vilify
To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner
deprecate
to express strong disapproval of; to belittle
decry
To publicly denounce or criticize
disparage
To regard or represent as being of little worth; to belittle
revile
To criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner
deride
To mock or ridicule someone
Master denigrate and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.