#derogate

v. To take away; detract: an error that will derogate from your reputation.

v. To deviate from a standard or expectation; go astray.

Welcome to another engaging episode of Word Woman’s Weekly Work-Out! On this day in 1982, the Broadway musical “Cats” opened and continued to play for almost 18 years, making it the third longest-running show in Broadway history to date.  Here’s a dramatic Word of the Week to add some flair to your vocabulary:

Derogate:    [verb] To insult (someone or something); to say or suggest that (something or someone) is not important or worthy of respect “Derogate”, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derogate , 8/19/2015

Example:  Kim explained to Jim that just because they didn’t share the same taste in music was no excuse for him to derogate the musicians whose works she enjoyed.