Pejorative [adj]: expressing contempt or disapproval. I have never used this word. Derogatory [adj]: showing a critical or disrespectful attitude. 'Don't be derogatory towards your students'. Sexism and racism are derogatory forms of prejudice. Disparage: this is a verb: regard or represent as being of little worth: "he never missed an opportunity to disparage his competitors" All three words are complex and useful in different situations. You could try your own example sentences and we can tell you what works. Hope this helps a little, Tutor Zowee

That’s an excellent question, there isn’t really any difference. 1. Adjectives: “Pejorative” is a synonym of “derogatory” so a lot of the time they can be used in very similar ways. However, a slight difference could be that “derogatory” is someone who tends to derogate, (lessen in value of someone) whereas “pejorative” is disparaging or belittling, almost make fun of them in a way that derogative could be seen as having contempt for something. But as I said, there is very little difference as adjectives. “Disparaging” is the same as “pejorative”, arguable more commonly used. I would say that the difference is with disparaging is it also shows a little disappointment. For example, a mother can be disparaging of her son in a way that belittles him but also shows that she expected more. 2. As nouns, however, the difference is a little clearer. “Derogatory” is a trade-line on a credit report that includes negative credit history. “Pejorative” is a disparaging, belittling, or derogatory word or expression, like how it is used as an adjective. Overall, I wouldn’t worry too much about the difference as they are so similar! I hope this helped and if you have any further questions please feel free to get in touch https://www.italki.com/maddie.

That’s an excellent question, there isn’t really any difference. 1. Adjectives: “Pejorative” is a synonym of “derogatory” so a lot of the time they can be used in very similar ways. However, a slight difference could be that “derogatory” is someone who tends to derogate, (lessen in value of someone) whereas “pejorative” is disparaging or belittling, almost make fun of them in a way that derogative could be seen as having contempt for something. But as I said, there is very little difference as adjectives. “Disparaging” is the same as “pejorative”, arguable more commonly used. I would say that the difference is with disparaging is it also shows a little disappointment. For example, a mother can be disparaging of her son in a way that belittles him but also shows that she expected more. 2. As nouns, however, the difference is a little clearer. “Derogatory” is a trade-line on a credit report that includes negative credit history. “Pejorative” is a disparaging, belittling, or derogatory word or expression, like how it is used as an adjective. Overall, I wouldn’t worry too much about the difference as they are so similar! I hope this helped and if you have any further questions please feel free to get in touch https://www.italki.com/maddie.