# denigrate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈdɛn.ɪ.ɡɹeɪ̯t/ · frequency rank #47,572

## Definitions
1. To criticize so as to besmirch; traduce, disparage or defame.
2. To treat as worthless; belittle, degrade or disparage.
3. To blacken.

## Etymology
Derived from Latin dēnigrātus, the perfect passive participle of dēnigrō (“to blacken”) [see -ate (verb-forming suffix)], from dē- (“of; from”) + nigrō (“to blacken”) [from niger (“black”)]. Cognate with Middle English denigart(e) (“darkened, discolored”).

## Easily confused with
- **designate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/denigrate-vs-designate)

## Common misspellings (13)
`ddenigrate`, `deingrate`, `dengirate`, `denigarte`, `deniggrate`, `denigraet`, `denigratte`, `denigrrate`, `denigrtae`, `denirgate`, `dennigrate`, `dneigrate`, `ednigrate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/denigrate