Pejoration: meaning, definitions and examples
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pejoration
[ pɪˌdʒɔːrəˈteɪʃən ]
linguistic shift
Pejoration refers to a process in linguistics where a word develops a negative connotation or meaning over time. This process can occur due to societal changes, shifting cultural attitudes, or the influence of other languages. As a result, words that were once neutral or even positive can acquire a pejorative sense.
Synonyms
debasing, decline, deterioration, devaluation.
Examples of usage
- The pejoration of the term 'lazy' over the years reflects changing societal views.
- Many words in English experience pejoration as their meanings evolve.
- The pejoration of certain descriptors can impact social perceptions.
Translations
Translations of the word "pejoration" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pejorização
🇮🇳 नकारात्मकता
🇩🇪 Pejoration
🇮🇩 pejorasi
🇺🇦 пейорація
🇵🇱 pejoryzacja
🇯🇵 ペジョレーション
🇫🇷 péjoration
🇪🇸 peyoración
🇹🇷 pejorasyon
🇰🇷 폄하
🇸🇦 تدهور
🇨🇿 pejorace
🇸🇰 pejorácia
🇨🇳 贬义
🇸🇮 pejoracija
🇮🇸 pejorering
🇰🇿 пейорация
🇬🇪 პეიორაცია
🇦🇿 pejorasiya
🇲🇽 peyoración
Etymology
The term 'pejoration' comes from the Latin root 'peiorare', which means 'to make worse'. The process of pejoration has been observed since ancient times, as societal attitudes toward certain concepts and groups evolve. In linguistics, the formal analysis of this phenomenon gained traction during the 19th century as scholars began to systematically document changes in language usage. Language is fluid, and the pejoration of words often reflects broader societal changes, including shifts in power dynamics, cultural revolutions, and evolving moral standards. The evolution of language continues to be an important field of study, illustrating how words can carry different meanings and connotations across time and context.