derogatory
showing a critical or belittling attitude
Roots
- de-: down, away, reversal, reduction, or removal
- rog / rogat: ask, request, propose, or put a question formally
Other words with the rog / rogat root
- abrogate: to abolish or repeal formally
- interrogate: to question someone closely
- prerogative: a special right or privilege
De can lower or take down; rog / rogat carries formal saying or proposing. Derogatory speech talks someone down.
The review was not just negative; it was derogatory and personal.
Derogatory is easier if you hear the downward motion. It is language that lowers someone: not criticism with care, but speech that diminishes.