dispraise: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very LowFormal, Literary, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “dispraise” mean?
To express disapproval or criticism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To express disapproval or criticism; to speak of with censure or blame.
The act or expression of criticizing or disparaging someone or something; the opposite of praise. Can also refer to the state of being held in low esteem.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both dialects, it carries a formal, almost antiquated feel. It is more likely found in historical texts, formal debates, or highly stylized prose.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both British and American English. It is a lexical item known to highly proficient speakers but almost never used in contemporary speech or informal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “dispraise” in a Sentence
dispraise [NP]dispraise [NP] for [NP/V-ing]be dispraised as [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dispraise” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was careful not to dispraise his opponent's character, focusing instead on policy.
- The critic's job is not merely to dispraise, but to analyse.
American English
- The senator dispraised the bill as "a profound failure of leadership."
- It is easier to dispraise than to create something worthwhile.
adverb
British English
- The biography was dispraisingly described as a work of fiction.
- She spoke dispraisingly of the committee's efforts.
American English
- He referred dispraisingly to the proposal as "dead on arrival."
- The report compared the two models, often dispraisingly for the older one.
adjective
British English
- He received a dispraising review in the literary supplement.
- Her dispraising remarks were noted in the minutes.
American English
- The editorial took a dispraising tone toward the administration's handling of the crisis.
- He is known for his dispraising commentary on modern art.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Modern business language would use 'criticize', 'give negative feedback', or 'highlight shortcomings'.
Academic
Rare, but may appear in literary criticism or historical analysis to describe a critic's negative judgement. E.g., "The poet was often dispraised by his contemporaries."
Everyday
Not used. Sounds stilted and unnatural.
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dispraise”
- Using it in spoken English or informal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'disprove' (to prove false) or 'disparage' (though similar, 'disparage' is more common).
- Incorrect stress: pronouncing it as DIS-praise instead of dis-PRAISE.
- Using it as a noun more frequently than the verb, though both are rare.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered formal or archaic. Learners should be aware of its meaning but are advised to use more common synonyms like 'criticize' or 'disparage' in their own speech and writing.
Meaning is very similar, but 'dispraise' is far more formal, literary, and less frequent. 'Criticize' is neutral and common. 'Dispraise' often implies a verbal or written expression of disapproval, sometimes in a balanced or measured way.
Yes, though it is rare. As a noun, it means 'censure' or 'disapproval'. Example: "He was unaccustomed to such direct dispraise from his mentor."
Both can be used, often depending on the structure. 'Dispraise of' introduces the target (the dispraise of his work). 'Dispraise for' can introduce the reason (He dispraised them for their laziness).
To express disapproval or criticism.
Dispraise is usually formal, literary, archaic in register.
Dispraise: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈpreɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈpreɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “damn with faint praise (related concept, using praise to subtly dispraise)”
- “more praise than dispraise”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as the opposite of PRAISE: DIS + PRAISE = to remove praise, to criticize.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUDGMENT IS WEIGHING (to weigh someone in the balance and find them wanting); LANGUAGE IS A WEAPON (to use words to attack).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the use of 'dispraise' be MOST appropriate?