deprecatory
Conveying mild criticism
Deprecatory expresses disapproval, criticism, or belittlement: a deprecatory remark about her cooking.
It can also signal an apologetic or self-effacing tone: He gave a deprecatory shrug when asked about his accomplishments.
The word overlaps with deprecating, particularly in the phrase self-deprecating, though some prefer self-deprecatory.
Expressing negative judgment
- demeaningCausing loss of respect
- derogatoryExpressing criticism or disrespect
- pejorativeTerm expressing disapproval
- denigratoryUnfairly critical in nature
mocking · scornful · contemptuous · disdainful · sneering · derisive · condescending · patronizing
Belittling one's own abilities
- modestLacking in pretension
- humbleUnassuming about oneself
- unassumingNot making claims
- self-criticalJudging oneself harshly
diffident · sheepish · apologetic · understated · meek · demure · bashful · deprecating
Expressing unfavorable opinion
- censoriousSeverely critical in judgment
- reproachfulShowing blame or disappointment
- faultfindingSeeking out imperfections
- hypercriticalExcessively prone to censure
judgmental · condemnatory · moralistic · sanctimonious · censuring · admonishing · reprimanding · chiding
Reducing to smallest extent
- trivializingDiminishing perceived significance
- undervaluingJudging below true worth
- discountingReducing prices offered
- downplayingDiminishing perceived significance
devaluing · underestimating · brushing off · writing off · disregarding · pooh-poohing · waving away · playing down
disparaging
Expressing negative judgment
- demeaningCausing loss of respect
- derogatoryExpressing criticism or disrespect
- pejorativeTerm expressing disapproval
denigratory · mocking · scornful · contemptuous · disdainful · sneering · derisive · condescending · patronizing · dismissive
self-deprecating
Belittling one's own abilities
- modestLacking in pretension
- humbleUnassuming about oneself
- unassumingNot making claims
self-critical · diffident · sheepish · apologetic · understated · meek · demure · bashful · deprecating · downplaying
disapproving
Expressing unfavorable opinion
- censoriousSeverely critical in judgment
- reproachfulShowing blame or disappointment
- faultfindingSeeking out imperfections
hypercritical · judgmental · condemnatory · moralistic · sanctimonious · censuring · admonishing · reprimanding · chiding · rebuking
minimizing
Reducing to smallest extent
- trivializingDiminishing perceived significance
- undervaluingJudging below true worth
- discountingReducing prices offered
downplaying · devaluing · underestimating · brushing off · writing off · disregarding · pooh-poohing · waving away · playing down · marginalizing
deprecatorylaudatory
Expressing strong approval
complimentary · commendatory · approving · praising · adulatory
deprecatoryencouraging
Giving confidence or hope
supportive · sympathetic · warm · warmhearted · kindly
deprecate, imprecation, deprecation, deprecative, deprecates