Most of us encounter derogatory, the adjective meaning "expressing a low opinion," more frequently than we do derogate, its less common verb relation, but the verb is older; it first appeared in English in the 15th century, while derogatory wasn't adopted until the early 16th. Both words can be traced back to the Late Latin word derogatus, which is the past participle of the verb derogare, meaning "to detract" or "to annul (a law)." Derogare, in turn, derives from the Latin word for "ask," rogāre. Other derogate relatives include derogative, derogation, and derogatorily.
The title of the book derogates the people it is about. Her parents are constantly derogating her achievements.
Recent Examples on the WebThe key issue is who has the final authority to determine whether the play derogates the spirit or alters the characters. Jack Greiner, Cincinnati.com, 28 Mar. 2018
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Late Latin derogatus, past participle of derogare, from Latin, to annul (a law), detract, from de- + rogare to ask, propose (a law) — more at right