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Definition of "pejorative" [pe•jor•a•tive]

  • Tending to make or become worse. (adjective)
  • Disparaging; belittling. (adjective)
  • A disparaging or belittling word or expression. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "pejorative" in a sentence
  • "Was Sarah correct; That using the term “RETARDS” as a pejorative is insensitive and cruel?"
  • "After reviewing, GLAAD called on Universal to remove the scene where the word 'gay' was used as a pejorative from the trailer."
  • "The double pejorative is unfortunate, as I also find the term to be pretty clever."