derogation
C2Formal, Academic, Legal
Definition
Meaning
The act of making something seem less important or valuable; a partial repeal or suspension of a law or rule.
A formal act of lessening the authority, dignity, or standing of something; in law, the partial abrogation or temporary suspension of a statute, treaty, or right.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a formal/legal term. The core sense involves a reduction in status, value, or authority. It often implies a formal or official act, not just casual criticism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in UK legal and parliamentary contexts due to EU law discourse (e.g., 'derogation from EU directives').
Connotations
Neutral-formal in both varieties. In UK political discourse, it can carry connotations of temporary exceptions from supranational rules.
Frequency
Low frequency in general use, but higher in legal, academic, and political texts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
derogation from [treaty/rule/standard]derogation of [authority/dignity/right]in derogation of [common law/principle]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in derogation of (formal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in contracts: 'This clause is not in derogation of the party's statutory rights.'
Academic
Common in legal, political science, and philosophy papers discussing exceptions to norms or diminution of status.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound overly formal.
Technical
Core term in law (international, human rights, EU) for temporary opt-outs from legal obligations.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister sought to derogate from the directive under Article 15.
- Such actions derogate from the dignity of the office.
American English
- The state cannot derogate from its treaty obligations.
- The contract clause derogates from the common law principle.
adverb
British English
- He spoke derogatorily of his predecessors.
- The article referred derogatorily to the policy.
American English
- She commented derogatorily on their efforts.
- The character was portrayed derogatorily in the film.
adjective
British English
- He made several derogatory comments about the proposal.
- The report contained derogatory remarks.
American English
- She filed a complaint about the derogatory statement.
- That's a derogatory term and should be avoided.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The new rule is a derogation from the old one.
- His constant criticism was a derogation of her work.
- The agreement allows for a temporary derogation from the standard safety requirements.
- The court held that the measure was not in derogation of the defendant's fundamental rights.
- The UK initially secured a derogation from the Social Chapter of the Maastricht Treaty.
- Any derogation from the principle of equal treatment must be strictly justified and proportionate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DE-ROGATION. 'De-' means down/away, 'rogation' relates to asking/law (as in 'prerogative' or 'interrogation'). It's a 'taking down' of a law or status.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS HEIGHT / LEGAL FRAMEWORK IS A STRUCTURE. Derogation is a lowering or a temporary removal of a structural piece.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'derogatory' (уничижительный).
- Not equivalent to 'violation' (нарушение). Derogation can be legal.
- Closer to 'отступление (от нормы/правила)', 'изъятие', or 'умаление (прав/достоинства)'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'insult' (that's 'derogatory remark').
- Confusing with 'abrogation' (full repeal vs. partial/temporary).
- Using in informal contexts where 'criticism' or 'exception' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'derogation' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Derogation' is a noun meaning a lessening of authority or a partial repeal. 'Derogatory' is an adjective meaning showing disrespect or criticism.
It is very rare in everyday speech. It is a formal term used primarily in legal, political, and academic contexts. Using it casually would sound unnatural.
'From' is the most common preposition, as in 'derogation from a rule' or 'derogation from a treaty'. The formal phrase 'in derogation of' is also used, especially in legal language.
An 'exception' is a broader, more general term for something excluded from a rule. A 'derogation' is a specific type of formal, often temporary, exception granted from a legal or official standard, implying a reduction in its normal force.