abwertend
derogatory
Expressing a negative, disdainful, or disrespectful attitude or opinion; disparaging.
EXAMPLE
Er machte eine abwertende Bemerkung über ihr Kleid.
He made a derogatory remark about her dress.
abwertend
derogatory
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is the present participle of the verb 'abwerten' (to devalue). This consists of the prefix 'ab-' (expresses a reduction) and 'werten' (to assign a value). 'Abwertend' (derogatory) therefore literally means assigning a lower value to someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Sein abwertender Tonfall verletzte sie sehr.
His derogatory tone hurt her very much.
Use in a sentence
'Abwertend' (derogatory) can stand as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb describing a verb. In both cases, it expresses a negative attitude.
EXAMPLE
Das ist eine abwertende Geste.
That is a derogatory gesture.
Typical collocations
Common words combined with 'abwertend' (derogatory) are nouns that describe a statement or behavior. Typical examples are 'abwertende Bemerkung' (derogatory remark), 'abwertender Blick' (disdainful look), or 'abwertender Ausdruck' (derogatory expression).
EXAMPLE
Sie ignorierte seinen abwertenden Blick und setzte ihre Präsentation fort.
She ignored his disdainful look and continued her presentation.
Compare with
abwertend vs beleidigend
offensive
Beleidigend describes words or actions as an attack on a person's dignity or feelings. Abwertend emphasizes a dismissive or contemptuous attitude and can also demean a group or its qualities without directly insulting an individual. The key distinction is therefore a personal attack versus expressed disdain.
abwertend
Seine Bemerkung über die Fähigkeiten der ganzen Abteilung war abwertend.
His remark about the abilities of the entire department was derogatory.
beleidigend
Seine direkte Beschimpfung der Kollegin war beleidigend.
His direct insult toward his colleague was offensive.
In real life
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