Pejorative
/pɪˈdʒɒrətɪv/
adjectivenounC1
Definition
Pejorative is used to describe language that is negative, insulting, or shows disapproval. When you call a word pejorative, it means that word is used to make someone or something look bad or less important. People use pejorative words to express dislike or to criticize strongly.
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See It in Action
Adjective meaning negative or insulting
- •He used a pejorative term to describe the new policy.
- •The phrase had a pejorative meaning that offended many people.
- •Avoid pejorative language in polite conversation.
Noun meaning an insulting or disrespectful word or phrase
- •"Idiot" is a common pejorative.
- •The teacher explained why certain pejoratives are hurtful.
- •Using pejoratives can damage relationships.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "pejorative" like "bad word," but more formal and about words that hurt or criticize
- ✓Picture someone frowning and speaking with a sharp, unhappy tone that makes others feel small or wrong
- ✓It's the feeling when someone uses a word to make you feel bad or less important
- ✓Sounds like "pee-JOR-uh-tiv" → imagine a bee (pee) that stings with words that hurt (jor sounds like "jar" which can trap feelings)
- ✓Think of a story where a character uses mean words to insult another, making the mood sad or tense
- ✓NOT like "nice" or "friendly" words that make people feel good; pejorative words do the opposite
- ✓NOT like "neutral" words that just describe facts without judgment
- ✓As an adjective, it describes the word; as a noun, it is the word itself that is insulting
Try Other Words
- •Derogatory: showing strong disapproval or disrespect (Use when you want to emphasize disrespect or strong criticism)
- •Insulting: causing hurt feelings or offense (Use when focusing on the effect on feelings)
- •Negative: expressing bad or harmful meaning (Use in more general contexts about bad meaning)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Latin "pejor-" meaning "worse" + suffix "-ative" forming adjectives
- •Etymology: Latin origin, meaning "making worse" or "worsening"
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe words or expressions that lower the value or respect of something
- •Modern usage: Used to describe words or phrases that express criticism, disrespect, or negativity toward people, ideas, or things
Reflect & Connect
•How can pejorative words affect the way people feel or behave in social situations?
•Can a word be pejorative in one culture but not in another? How does this change communication?
Fill in the blanks
1.Using a pejorative word often ___ the feelings of the person it is about.
2.When someone uses pejorative language, they usually want to express ___ or dislike.
3.Unlike neutral words, pejorative words carry a ___ meaning that can hurt or offend.
4.People sometimes use pejorative words to ___ others during arguments or disagreements.
5.The teacher asked students to avoid pejorative words and speak in a ___ way.
6.A pejorative term can ___ the meaning of a sentence to sound more negative.
7.When you hear a word used as a pejorative, it usually ___ a judgment or criticism.