Misdemeaning

Part of speech: adjective, present participle

Definitions

1. Characterizing speech or actions that belittle or demean others
2. referring to behaviors that convey disrespect or ridicule toward individuals
3. describing attitudes or remarks that diminish someone's worth or dignity

Etymology: "Misdemean" is formed from the prefix "mis-", meaning wrongly or badly, and "demean," which has a more interesting history than its present-day use suggests. "Demean" in the older sense meant to conduct oneself or behave in a particular way, and it was the verb "misdemean" that took on the sense of behaving badly. The "-ing" ending makes this form the present participle, so the word describes actions or conduct that carry an air of disrespect or mockery toward other people. The base "demean" is itself built from "de-" and "mean," the latter in the sense of "bearing" or "manner," so the original idea was simply one's manner of conducting oneself. Over time "demean" narrowed toward lowering or debasing oneself, and "misdemean" kept the earlier sense of acting badly, which is why the word now sits in the territory of disrespectful behavior.

Synonyms: disparaging, belittling, insulting

Antonyms: praising, complimentary