How to pronounce derogatory
Say it like duh-RAH-guh-tor-ee. Derogatory has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce derogatory. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- duh
- RAH
- guh
- tor
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Derogatory pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- guhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- torGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of derogatory
- American English uses 5 syllables and British English 4.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: dih-ROG-uh-tree.
What does derogatory mean?
- Disparaging.
- Tending to derogate
- Reducing the power or value of (a governmental body, etc); detracting from.
- A tradeline on a credit report that indicates negative credit history.
Where does derogatory come from?
Borrowed from Late Latin dērogātōrius, from Latin dērogō; corresponding to derogate + -ory.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying derogatory
How do you pronounce derogatory?
Say duh-RAH-guh-tor-ee. The American pronunciation is /dəˈrɑɡəˌtɔri/. In British English it is /dɪˈrɒɡətri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in derogatory?
Derogatory has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RAH). Broken into parts: duh · RAH · guh · tor · ee.
Is derogatory pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 5 syllables and British English 4. The British form is /dɪˈrɒɡətri/ (dih-ROG-uh-tree).